At least 23 die in besieged town, death toll rises to 382

November 12, 2024 (AL-HILALIYA) – At least 23 people died on Tuesday in the besieged Sudanese town of Al-Hilaliya, bringing the total death toll to 382 since the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) imposed a siege more than two weeks ago, according to the Al-Jazirah Conference, a civil society group.

Al-Hilaliya, located approximately 70 km (43 miles) northeast of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazirah state, has been under RSF control since the paramilitary group launched a campaign in eastern Al-Jazirah on October 21 following the defection of a local leader to the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The Al-Jazirah Conference said in a statement seen by Sudan Tribune that Tuesday’s deaths were “due to complications of poisoning and lack of health care,” including nine women and six children.

Local sources cited by the “Nidaa Al-Wasat” group allege that the RSF poisoned the town’s drinking water and distributed food contaminated with urea fertilizer, lead, and mercury to residents.

“The gangs and their terrorist leaders are deliberately exterminating tens of thousands of citizens; whoever did not die by their fire died poisoned or hungry at the hands of their mercenaries,” the group stated.

A video circulating online shows discoloured drinking water, with a voiceover claiming it had been contaminated with a toxic substance. Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the footage.

The Nidaa Al-Wasat warned that deaths in Al-Hilaliya are “accelerating at a terrifying rate” and that those burying the dead are struggling to continue due to hunger and exhaustion. It estimated the death toll to be over 400, including children and the elderly who succumbed to hunger, thirst, and poisoning.

The RSF has not commented on the allegations.