Residents of El Fasher town in Sudan’s North Darfur State say the security situation is deteriorating as some Rapid Support Forces (RSF) soldiers continue to loot properties and harass civilians.
Al-Fadil Abdullah Hamid, a lawyer in El Fasher town, told Radio Tamazuj Sunday that civilians in eastern and northern parts of El Fasher are being subjected to looting and forceful displacement by the RSF, which prompted them to take shelter in shelter centres and clubs in the western side of the town.
“90 per cent of the residents of the eastern and northern side of the town have left their homes,” Abdallah said.
The local lawyer pointed out that there is no role for the state government or law enforcement to protect civilians despite the heinous crimes committed. “There is no one to question those who are committing crimes and no one to protect the civilians or demand their lawful rights,” he said.
When asked about the role of the Joint Protection Forces in the area, Abdallah said they do not have a tangible role in the northern and eastern parts of the town, which he said are under the control of the RSF.
According to the lawyer, the role of the Joint Protection Force in El Fasher town is only limited to taking the wounded to hospitals and protecting the main market. “If you tried to monitor these violations, the RSF can even trace you up to your house,” he said.
Hamid appealed to the international community to intervene urgently to stop the “senseless” war in Sudan.
A resident of the Al Safa neighbourhood, who preferred to withhold her identity for security reasons, told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that citizens living in the northern part of El Fasher have left their homes and moved to the southern part of the town for fear of looting and violence by some members of the Rapid Support Forces.
She also added that the attack on a commercial convoy in the Al-Koma area between the town of Kosti and El Fasher on Friday afternoon has caused fear and panic among the citizens.
“The Rapid Support Forces residing in El Fasher are still in their positions and have not carried out attacks against the army except those that come from outside the state,” she explained.
Another citizen from the Al Wadi neighbourhood, who preferred to withhold her identity, said: “The western side, which is under the control of the army, is partially stable.”
Military and RSF officials in the area could not immediately be reached for comment.