Darfur tribal leader warns of imminent RSF attacks

November 4, 2024 (EL FASHER) – A prominent tribal leader warned on Monday that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is planning to attack three localities in North Darfur, raising fears of a further escalation of the conflict in Sudan.

Saleh Abdallah, head of the Zaghawa tribal council, said the RSF was planning to “invade” the al-Tina, Umbaru, and Karnoi localities from a base in neighbouring West Darfur. These areas are currently partly held by the Sudanese army and allied forces.

“They are planning to invade our areas,” Abdallah said in an audio statement sent to Sudan Tribune. He said fighters were mobilizing to defend the localities, which border Chad.

The RSF has held most of North Darfur since the conflict erupted in April 2024. Since May 2024, it has been battling the army to control El Fasher, the state capital.

Abdallah said the RSF and allied militias had burned some 120 villages in the area over the past three weeks as part of a “retaliatory campaign” against the Zaghawa people.

The violence has driven many residents to flee to Chad, he added.

Since mid-October, the RSF and allied militias have been accused of carrying out revenge attacks against Zaghawa communities in Kutum locality, North Darfur, burning more than 45 villages.