(Kampala) – Since the war erupted on April 15, 2023, the citizens of Central Darfur have faced increasing security tensions and arbitrary arrests. The security situation has become dire, with incidents such as:

• June 23, 2024: Three displaced individuals from the Hasaheisa IDP camp were arrested on accusations of stealing a goat sold by a member of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They were sentenced to either pay 400,000 Sudanese Pounds each (approximately 665.56 USD) or face six months in prison. Some chose imprisonment over paying the hefty fine.
• July 13, 2024: Hamada Ismail Mohammed Adam, a 33-year-old tuk-tuk driver, was detained by RSF soldiers for 13 hours and fined 20,000 Sudanese Pounds (33.28 USD) for allegedly crossing in front of an RSF vehicle.
• July 5, 2024: Shawqi Hassan Yahya, a 50-year-old former financial manager, was shot in the hand by militias affiliated with the RSF and was transferred to multiple states for treatment.
• July 6, 2024: Ibrahim Muhammad Issa, a 53-year-old father of three, was killed by RSF members after intervening to save a woman from being assaulted.

The RSF declared a curfew on July 9, 2024, from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am, with severe penalties for those caught outside during these hours. Any individual arrested after 9:00 pm would be whipped and left on the street, with the probability for being shot if they resisted. The curfew and these measures were authorized by the newly appointed RSF commander, Benjoud (nickname), replacing the former commander Ali Yagoub who was killed in Al-Fasher.

Political Developments:

A de facto government was formed on July 14, 2024, led by Engineer Abdul Karim, former Director of Urban Planning. A press conference was held on July 15, 2024, at Al-Salheen Hall by the newly appointed Director of Police to discuss the reactivation of the police force in the state.

Humanitarian Crisis:

The war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, disrupting state institutions, agriculture, trade, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The following points highlight the current situation:

Access to Essentials: There is a critical shortage of medicines, food, rainproof tools, and mosquito pesticides. Humanitarian efforts are hampered by bureaucratic restrictions imposed by the de facto government.

UN Efforts: The United Nations and other organizations are striving to address the crisis, with UN agencies establishing their headquarters in Central Darfur since February 2023. Despite these efforts, the Port Sudan government’s restrictions on aid routes have created additional challenges.

Coordination Meeting: On July 13, 2024, a meeting between international and national organizations and UN representatives, led by Toby Harrod, was held to discuss the humanitarian and security situation. Key points included:

–Assessment of Situation: Assessing the humanitarian and security situation in Central Darfur State, acknowledging that UN agencies chose Central Darfur as their headquarters in Darfur.

–Government Restrictions: Addressing the restrictions on aid imposed by the Port Sudan government, including the insistence on using the costly and time-consuming Chad border crossing.

• –Coordination with Local Authorities: Coordinating with the de facto government and Jebel Marra region to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and remove obstacles faced by organizations.

• –Telecommunications Crisis: Discussing the reliance on Starlink Wifi due to network interruptions and the impending expiration of service extension by SpaceX on August 1, 2024. Networks registered under individuals’ names will cease, while those registered under organizations will continue.

• –Security Coordination:Emphasizing the need for better coordination and information sharing among humanitarian partners regarding security updates and warnings.

• –Logistical Challenges: The World Food Programme highlighted the slow preparation of aid convoys, noting that 200 trucks have entered Darfur, and a needs-based registration system is now in place.

Darfur Network for Human Rights Appeal:

The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) urgently appeals to the international community, humanitarian organizations, and UN agencies to intensify their efforts in addressing the worsening humanitarian situation in Central Darfur. The DNHR calls for:

• Increased Aid Delivery: Swift and unimpeded delivery of essential aid, including food, medicine, and shelter materials, to the affected populations.
• Enhanced Security Measures: Immediate intervention to improve the security situation and protect civilians from arbitrary arrests, violence, and harassment by armed groups.
• Support for Human Rights Monitoring: Strengthening support for human rights monitoring and documentation to ensure accountability for violations and abuses.
• Telecommunications Support: Ensuring continued access to telecommunications services, particularly through the extension of Starlink Wifi service, to maintain critical communication channels.
• Coordination and Collaboration: Improved coordination among humanitarian actors and local authorities to streamline aid distribution and address bureaucratic obstacles hindering relief efforts.

The DNHR remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of the people of Central Darfur and urges all stakeholders to take immediate and effective action to alleviate their suffering.