RSF Attacks Empty Hundreds of Villages in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State

November 5, 2024 (WAD MADANI) – Hundreds of villages in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state have been emptied by residents fleeing retaliatory attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising fears of forced displacement and demographic change.

The RSF campaign, which began after an RSF commander defected to the army on Oct. 20, has triggered a wave of violence and looting, driving civilians from their homes.

While the RSF accuses residents of supporting the army, the motives behind the widespread displacement remain unclear. Concerns are growing that the RSF may attempt to alter the region’s demographics by bringing in new residents.

The Al Jazirah Conference, a local civil society group, estimates that 400 villages have been completely emptied and 115 partially emptied in eastern Al Jazirah alone.

On Monday, the RSF attacked Wad al-Abyad village, killing a resident and displacing those who had sought refuge there.

Since the commander’s defection, the RSF has killed hundreds and displaced nearly 500,000 people in Al Jazirah, according to the Al Jazirah Conference.

Last week saw deadly attacks in al-Hilailya and al-Bururab, forcing residents to flee villages across eastern Al Jazirah.

Casualty figures vary, with some reports claiming over 1,000 deaths since the RSF seized control of the state in December.

The violence has also been marked by reports of rape, suicide, and kidnapping for ransom.

Social media videos show a mass exodus from villages, with dozens reported missing.

The RSF has reportedly brought in new residents to villages near al-Hasahisa and Wad Madani, raising further concerns about demographic engineering.

Many villages are now deserted, either due to attacks, destruction of infrastructure, or RSF orders to evacuate.

In some areas, the RSF has prevented residents from leaving, demanding weekly payments for “protection.”

Al Jazirah remains under a communication blackout, with the RSF confiscating satellite internet devices.