Darfur holdout group denounces RSF attack on its supply convoy in El Fasher

March 29, 2024 (EL-FASHER) – The Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW) condemned an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on its supply convoy near El Fasher, North Darfur. The SLM-AW, which has maintained a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict, warned against further attacks.

The RSF attacked the convoy carrying fuel and food supplies at the Haluf Gate northeast of El Fasher. The attack destroyed four combat vehicles and three trucks. While the RSF has not issued an official statement, its fighters shared photos on social media confirming the incident.

Photos circulating online depicted the aftermath, showing the bodies of four slain SLM-AW fighters and four others wounded. A destroyed escort vehicle was also visible.

SLM-AW military spokesman Walid Mohamed Abkar (Tango) issued a statement on Friday evening condemning the “cowardly attack.” He further reported casualties among their forces, with some fighters killed, wounded, or captured, but he avoided indicating the number of the victims.

“We strongly condemn this attack by the Rapid Support Forces,” Abkar said. “They must immediately release our captured personnel and return their belongings. We warn them of the consequences of repeating such aggression and hold them fully responsible.”

Abkar emphasized that the SLM-AW’s neutrality aims to prevent the country from descending into a full-blown civil war.

Unlike other armed movements in Darfur, the SLM-AW led by al-Nur did not sign a peace agreement with the government. It also did not join the joint forces established by the peace sigantories. However, the SLM-AW deployed forces in El Fasher, claiming their purpose was to protect displacement camps in the city and surrounding areas.

The RSF accuses the Darfur armed groups of collaborating with the Sudanese army and transporting weapons and ammunition to its forces in El Fasher.

Following the outbreak of war in April 2023, the RSF gained control of four Darfur states. North Darfur remains the only state where the RSF does not have complete control.

While the armed movements initially mobilized to defend civilians, some abandoned their neutrality and joined the Sudanese army’s fight against the paramilitary forces led by Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemetti”. The RSF forces have been accused of committing human rights abuses against Sudanese civilians.

(ST)