Misseriya leaders warn of invasion, oil damage in RSF assault on W. Kordofan garrisons.

January 13, 2024 (EL MUGLAD) – Misseriya paramount chief Mukhtar Babu Nimr and about 22 local tribal leaders have warned against the invasion of Sudan’s borders and the destruction of oil installations if the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attack the main army garrisons in El Muglad and Bananosa towns of West Kordofan state.

These warnings highlight the divisions that have emerged among Misseriya leaders, the RSF’s second-largest component, regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

A significant number of tribal leaders oppose the transfer of fighting to West Kordofan state and the takeover of army positions, while others support the RSF’s expansion plans in the region and the seizure of army command.

In a letter seen by Sudan Tribune addressed by Nazir Mukhtar Babu Nimr and 22 tribal leaders to RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo on December 30, they categorically rejected the transfer of fighting to their areas and the removal of the army from Misseriya territory.

The letter explained that West Kordofan state borders South Sudan in the Al-Merem, Abyei, Heglig, Kilik, and Laqwa areas and that the fall of the 22nd Infantry Division would leave the state defenceless, making it vulnerable to incursions across the border.

Local leaders also expressed concern about massacres targeting the Misseriya tribe and chaos in the state if military confrontations erupted to overthrow the main army command in West Darfur state.

The letter emphasized that the fall of the 22nd Division in Babanusah would also lead to the destruction of oil fields, posing environmental pollution risks to humans and animals due to the contamination of water, plants, and land.

On October 30, the Rapid Support Forces seized control of the Balila airport and oil field, which produces approximately 22,000 barrels and is operated by the Chinese Petro Energy Company. The attack on the site destroyed several company premises, causing the field to cease operations.

In their letter, the local leaders called for the exclusion of the 22nd Infantry Division from military operations, similar to the 6th Infantry Division in North Darfur state.

The letter was signed by paramount chief Mukhtar Babu Nimr, his aide Ismail Hamdin Hamed, Prince Hamdi Al-Dud Ismail, Mayor Al-Dud Mohamed Ubaid, Al-Jak Suleiman Rahma Shinto, Kharif Rahma Al-Dud, Gibril Hammad Ahmed Bariqa, Yahya Jamaa Abdallah, Mayor Hamdan Jarelnabi, and others.

Soldiers of the 22nd Infantry Division are deployed in border areas with South Sudan, including disputed sites between the two countries. Sudan and South Sudan have not completed the border demarcation process since the latter’s independence in 2011.

(ST)