RSF accused of abuses and market closure in West Kordofan
Civilians in Foga and Wad Banda face beatings, levies, and confiscation of communication equipment.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stand accused of committing abuses against civilians in Sudan’s West Kordofan State, specifically in the Foga and Wad Banda areas. The Dar Hamar Emergency Response Room reported that RSF personnel subjected civilians to beatings and humiliation at the mining mills market in Foga. The group also accused the RSF of imposing levies on mill operators, demanding a barrel of diesel fuel per mill, and looting the entire market.
Azzam Hamid, spokesperson for the Dar Hamar Emergency Response Room, stated that such conduct has become routine in northern West Kordofan localities, including En Nahud and Wad Banda. Hamid further alleged that RSF personnel confiscated Starlink satellite internet terminals, hindering residents' communication access amidst a deteriorating security situation. Fierce fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has also occurred near Foga over the past two days.
The RSF also shut down the market in Wad Banda. The confiscation of Starlink equipment restricts residents' ability to communicate and access telecommunications services. This follows two days of fierce fighting between the SAF and RSF in the vicinity of Foga.
Why it mattersResidents of West Kordofan face violence, economic disruption, and restricted communication due to alleged RSF actions.