Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have regained control of Al-Zurug base in North Darfur, which had been seized by allied army forces. As fighting continues between the RSF and the army, ethnic tensions are projected to rise. Reports indicate that the conflict has led to significant civilian casualties, raising concerns over ongoing violence and the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
On Sunday, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan reclaimed control of a key logistical base in North Darfur, as reported by the paramilitary group. This development followed the loss of the Al-Zurug base a day earlier to allied forces of the Sudanese army. The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the army commenced in April 2023, with North Darfur emerging as a significant battleground as forces vie for dominance within the region.
The Joint Forces, composed of various former rebel factions allied with the army, had captured the Al-Zurug base, which the RSF has utilized throughout the 20 months of conflict to facilitate logistical operations, channeling supplies from border areas with Chad and Libya. Reports confirm that many RSF soldiers were killed, and vehicles and supplies were seized during this episode of fighting.
The RSF has voiced its concerns regarding the potential for heightened ethnic tensions as a consequence of the conflict, particularly between Arab tribes supporting the RSF and the Zaghawa tribe associated with the Joint Forces. In a statement, the RSF accused Joint Forces of committing ethnic cleansing, alleging that civilians were deliberately targeted, including children and the elderly, and that residential infrastructure was decimated during the raid.
Conversely, the Joint Forces condemned the RSF, claiming the base had served as an operational hub for attacks against civilians in regions including Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur. The escalating violence in Al-Fashir has led to significant civilian casualties, with recent UN reports indicating that at least 782 civilians have died in the conflict since mid-April due to intense artillery bombardments and drone strikes from both the RSF and the army.
There have also been accounts from local activists of missile attacks on various parts of Al-Fashir, escalating fears of continued violence. Analysts suggest that control over the city could enhance the RSF’s efforts to establish an alternative governance structure to the national government situated in Port Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the national army has created a volatile situation, particularly in Darfur. The RSF, a paramilitary group with roots in former militia and rebel factions, has been engaged in combating the Sudanese army since April 2023. The complexities of the conflict are amplified by regional alliances and ethnic tensions, with various factions seeking to assert control over territories and resources, especially in strategic locations like North Darfur. The situation is made even more precarious by allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses committed by both sides, further complicating peace efforts.
The recent seizure of the Al-Zurug logistical base by the RSF underscores the ongoing volatility in North Darfur amid a power struggle with the Sudanese army and its allied Joint Forces. The conflict not only highlights the violent clashes between these armed groups but also signals a potential worsening of ethnic tensions in the region. The alarming statistics from the UN human rights reports reflect a dire humanitarian situation, prompting urgent attention from the international community to mitigate further civilian suffering and instability in Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
