Sudan is grappling with escalating internal and external tensions as the governor of South Darfur, Bashir Marsal, dismissed several tribal leaders for alleged support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Meanwhile, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry is challenging Chad’s denial of supporting the RSF, accusing the neighboring country of facilitating weapons and mercenaries to the group. In a related case, a Sudanese student, Omer Ahmed Abdelhadi Suleiman, sentenced for supporting the RSF, is facing public outcry, with his family demanding his release.
South Darfur’s Governor Marsal took decisive action on Friday, removing tribal leaders accused of mobilizing fighters for the RSF. These leaders belong to prominent Arab tribes such as the Bani Halba, Habaniya, and Misseriya. Marsal’s decision, made in consultation with the federal Minister of Governance, involves filing legal actions to hold them accountable for violence and destruction caused in Sudan, particularly the “Nufara” mobilization system, which the RSF relies on for recruitment.
The accusations against the dismissed tribal leaders include facilitating atrocities such as killing, looting, and harboring mercenaries. Marsal’s orders reflect a growing effort by Sudanese authorities to address internal dissent amid the ongoing conflict with the RSF.
At the same time, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry rejected Chad’s denial of providing support to the RSF. The Sudanese government has pointed to evidence such as satellite imagery and UN reports to substantiate its claims. Sudan insists that Chad is a key player in facilitating the RSF’s operations, including the transportation of weapons and fighters. Chad, however, counters that it has hosted millions of Sudanese refugees and dismisses Sudan’s accusations as attempts to shift blame for internal issues. Sudan has formally filed a complaint against Chad, alleging complicity in crimes of aggression and genocide committed by the RSF.
In a separate development, Omer Ahmed Abdelhadi Suleiman, a Sudanese student preparing for exams, was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly supporting the RSF. His family, asserting his innocence, demands his release, offering witnesses to prove his defense. Omer’s involvement with the army, as confirmed by documents from his tribe and the army, was disregarded during his trial, leading to accusations of an unfair verdict. The Dar Hamar tribe, Omer’s own community, has publicly supported the army in its fight against the RSF, further complicating the case.
This series of events underscores the deepening crisis within Sudan, with mounting legal and political pressures both internally and from neighboring countries as the war with the RSF continues to destabilize the region.
