(Kampala) – The situation in Zalingei has become increasingly unstable following the death of Ali Yagoub Gibril, the third-in-command of the paramilitary group Rapid Support Force (RSF). Ali Yagoub was killed in Lafatogor, in the city of El-Fasher, North Darfur, on June 14, 2024, during clashes between joint armed forces, supported by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and the RSF, which was attempting to seize control of the city.

Ali Yagoub Gibril, originally from Zalingei, Central Darfur, was a prominent figure among the local Arab tribes. His death has sparked significant tension regarding his succession. The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) has received news that on Sunday, June 18, 2024, the dead body of a member of the Bani-Halba, an Arab tribe, was found near Ali Yagoub’s house in the Taiba area of East Zalingei. This discovery has led to tribal members gathering and demanding justice for the killing.

Armed Groups and Civilian Safety:

Since Ali Yagoub ‘s death, there has been an unusual movement of armed groups on motorcycles, carrying guns in civilian areas. This has heightened tensions within Arab tribal groups who supported Ali Yagoub and those who did not. Civilians fear imminent violence and are bracing for potential conflict.

Local sources have reported to DNHR that RSF forces have recently arrived near Zalingei, establishing two positions. One group has settled between the Alwadi and Alshargei areas near the Mengo Market, causing residents of Alwadi to flee due to the proximity of the RSF troops. These forces were initially supposed to continue to El-Fasher but refused to proceed. The RSF soldiers have also looted the homes of the late Ali Yagoub and another commander, Abdulbagei Dahab, believing the properties to be their rightful spoils.

Threat to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps:

There are growing concerns about the safety of residents in the Hamidiya IDP Camp in Zalingei. The RSF is reportedly planning to attack the camp, alleging that defeated SAF soldiers are hiding there and conducting intelligence operations. Before his death, Ali Yagoub had negotiated a deal with IDP leaders to prevent RSF entry into the camp. However, with Ali Yagoub’s death, the RSF is now attempting to breach this agreement, putting the lives of IDPs at risk. Local sources indicate that RSF soldiers see the camp as a target for looting, exacerbating the insecurity and highlighting the leadership vacuum within the RSF in Central Darfur.

Civilian Security and Livelihood:

Civilians in Zalingei are facing continuous looting, threats, and random gunfire. The lack of safety has severely disrupted daily life. Additionally, the cost of basic necessities has skyrocketed. The price of 1 kg of sorghum has increased from 400 Sudanese Pounds (0.68 USD) to 1600 Sudanese Pounds (2.73 USD) in just three months. Money transfer centres are deducting 15% per transaction due to cash shortages, making it difficult for civilians to afford food, leading to acute malnutrition and the looming threat of famine.

Humanitarian Aid and INGO Operations:

Last week, the RSF leader, Engineer Mohammed Abdulkareem, demanded that all organisations operating in Zalingei pay a protection fee of 26,000,000 SDG (approximately 14,054.05 USD) to ensure the safety of farms during the rainy season. Most organisations have indicated they cannot meet this demand, leading the RSF to declare that protection money is mandatory for continued operation in Zalingei. Additionally, national staff members of these organisations are being required to pay a monthly tax of 10,000 Sudanese Pounds (5 USD) or face expulsion.

Urgent Call for International Intervention:

The humanitarian situation in Zalingei is dire, with increasing numbers of IDPs, shortages of aid, and the ongoing threat to civilian lives. The DNHR urgently appeals to the international community to intervene and calls on the RSF to allow humanitarian organisations to continue their critical work without interference.

Conclusion:

The death of Ali Yagoub Gibril has left a power vacuum and escalated tensions in Zalingei, posing severe risks to civilian safety and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Immediate international intervention is crucial to stabilise the region and ensure the protection and well-being of its residents