Darfur Joint Force buries hundreds of RSF fighters

January 1, 2024 (PORT SUDAN)  – The Joint Force of Darfur armed groups said on Tuesday it had buried the bodies of 462 Rapid Support Forces (RSF) combatants killed in recent clashes, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian principles even as fighting rages in Sudan’s troubled region.

The dead, identified as members of the “Janjaweed militia”, were killed in battles in North Malit and Al Malha, the Joint Force said in a statement.

According to the statement, the RSF attempted to infiltrate Al Malha but suffered heavy losses, with hundreds of fighters killed, including six commanders. Three RSF vehicles were also destroyed. The remaining forces, led by “Ali Rizqallah Al-Safana,” fled, leaving behind the dead.

“The Joint Force, out of humanitarian concern and respect for the dead, and bearing its humanitarian responsibility, has buried these bodies in a manner befitting human dignity,” the statement said.

The statement added that the burial was carried out to prevent a public health crisis.

The Joint Force also called on remaining RSF fighters to surrender to the Sudanese Armed Forces or the Joint Force.

“They must realize that they are serving a party that does not even respect the right to honour its dead,” the statement said.

The Joint Force reiterated its commitment to international humanitarian law and respect for human dignity.

“We pledge to our people that we will continue to defend Sudan, protect its lands, and respect human dignity, no matter the circumstances,” it said.