Tension erupts within Misseriya tribe over RSF’s plans to seize West Kordofan

January 12, 2024 (AL-FULA, West Kordofan)  – The Misseriya tribe, the second-largest ethnic group in Sudan and a major constituent of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is facing growing internal divisions due to a public rift over the RSF’s expansionist ambitions in the ongoing war.

The crisis intensified over the past two months as the RSF unveiled plans to consolidate control over their homeland Kordofan region, prompting a backlash from prominent Misseriya figures who oppose bringing the fighting to their territories despite the presence of many tribal members within the RSF ranks.

A prominent Misseriya leader, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sudan Tribune, “There is a widespread consensus within the tribe against the RSF’s control of Diyar Misseriya areas in West Kordofan state. The Native Administration has been actively mediating between the two parties to maintain peace and prevent armed clashes.”

However, the leader acknowledged that despite these efforts, the RSF remained determined to expand its influence, aiming to seize control of the 22nd Infantry Division in Babanusa and extend its grip over the Muglad garrison.

The leader attributed the tribe’s resistance to the RSF’s history of human rights abuses and widespread violations against civilians in areas under its control.

On January 9, the Misseriya Al-Falaita branch, under the leadership of tribal leader Abdel Moneim Al-Shuwain, made a public declaration of support for the RSF’s war against the Sudanese army. This move was met with strong opposition from prominent tribal figures, who threatened to resist the RSF if it attempted to attack Al-Fula, the state capital, or Babanusa, home to the 22nd Infantry Division.

Ali Ismail, a previous coordinator for the Popular Defense Forces, criticized the statement made by the Al-Falaita superintendent. During a video recording of a meeting with Al-Shuwain, he expressed that the superintendent’s statement “does not reflect the people’s will” and announced that the tribe would no longer acknowledge the Native Administration. He also warned that the Misseriya would resist any RSF incursion into their territory.

Ismail continued, “We are not aligned with the Native Administration, and if the RSF enters our territories, we will confront them.”

The Sudanese army remains in control of Al-Fula and Babanusa, including the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division. The evolving tensions within the Misseriya tribe and the RSF’s expansionist plans raise concerns about potential clashes and instability in West Kordofan.

Denial of rift

Misseriya leader and former parliamentarian Salih Jumaa vehemently denied reports of internal divisions within the tribe regarding the ongoing conflict. He asserted that the groups opposing support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are remnants of the banned National Congress Party and the Islamic Movement, led by former Popular Defence Coordinator Ali Ismail.

“These small groups,” Jumaa stated, “lack the capacity to disrupt the unity and cohesion of the Misseriya tribe.”

He further emphasized that the RSF will soon assume control of the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters in Babanusa and bring to justice all leaders associated with the NCP and the Islamic Movement for their role in inciting discord between the army and the RSF.

“The Misseriya tribe’s decision to support the RSF stems from the will of the people,” Jumaa remarked. “Most of our youth have actively participated in the ongoing conflict.”

He touched upon the tribe’s heavy losses in the Khartoum battles, highlighting the discriminatory treatment they have endured at the hands of the Sudanese army within the city of El-Obeid and along the El-Obeid-Bara road.

Jumaa clarified that the Native Administration remained neutral for nine months, adhering to conditions that the army refrain from attacking Misseriya territories and committed to addressing societal ills. “However,” he lamented, “the army violated the agreement and perpetrated the killings of young men in Maddat Al-Fula, Balila, Al-Mujallad, Babanusa, and other locations, ultimately forcing us to officially endorse the RSF.”

(ST)