South Darfur governor sacks 70 tribal leaders over alleged RSF ties

November 17, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – South Darfur’s acting governor dismissed 70 tribal leaders on Sunday, accusing them of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and directing legal action against them for alleged involvement in the destruction of cities across Sudan.

Governor Bashir Mursal said the leaders were involved in mobilizing fighters, harbouring mercenaries from neighbouring countries, and inciting attacks on infrastructure in South Darfur and other states, including the capital Khartoum.

“It was decided to dismiss 70 omdas and sheikhs in South Darfur state for their support and bias towards the Rapid Support Forces,” Mursal said in a decree seen by Sudan Tribune.

He accused the dismissed leaders of playing a key role in the RSF’s recruitment efforts, alleging they mobilized fighters from their tribes to be sent to conflict zones in Khartoum, El Fasher in North Darfur, and other areas.

Mursal also held the group responsible for “systematic killings” in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, as well as looting, rape, and the deaths of thousands within their communities. He called for them to be prosecuted.

The dismissals, which target leaders from various tribes, including the Fur, Masalit, and Rizeigat, follow Mursal’s earlier decision on November 9 to sack seven other tribal leaders for their alleged RSF affiliations.