Escalating Conflict and Violations in Darfur: Weapon Smuggling and Renewed Attacks Threaten Civilian Lives

Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) Update:

Nyala, South Darfur:
According to local sources reporting to the Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) from Nyala, around 3:00 AM on Saturday, 21st September 2024, a plane, believed to be a Yushin cargo aircraft, landed at Nyala International Airport in South Darfur, Sudan. Witnesses reported that the plane approached from the west, flying low over neighborhoods near the airport before landing.

It is significant to note that no aircraft had landed at Nyala International Airport since the second day of the war, on 16th April 2023. The witnesses expressed surprise that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) did not engage the aircraft with anti-aircraft fire despite it landing at a darkened airport that was officially closed.

Following the plane’s takeoff, witnesses observed four armed vehicles belonging to the RSF, along with one truck, emerging from the airport. DNHR is deeply concerned that this plane may have been carrying weapons, and another eyewitness said that at 5 pm, RSF moved all farmers to surround the airport by force. Also, They said they took their wounded of RSF from Nyala, south Darfur, and El Fasher, north Darfur, in clear violation of the ongoing arms embargo in Darfur. Such actions could escalate the conflict further, posing an increased threat to civilian life in the region.

El Fasher, North Darfur State:
On 20th September 2024, the city of El Fasher was subjected to heavy shelling by the RSF from the eastern and northeastern sides, with residential areas in the central and southern parts of the city being the primary targets. The first shelling attack occurred around 1:00 PM (Sudan time) and resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. Later that evening, at approximately 8:00 PM, another group of RSF forces attempted to infiltrate the city. Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) responded by deploying warplanes, leading to significant losses among RSF militants and civilians caught in the crossfire.

Among those confirmed dead in the fighting on 19th September are the following RSF leaders:

Mohammed Mergani, Captain

Adam Eldoma Yaqup Shebani, Colone

On 21st September 2024, RSF launched a renewed assault on El Fasher, attacking from the southern part of the city around 5:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 AM when SAF, supported by joint forces, successfully repelled the attack. However, later that evening, the RSF resumed their offensive from the southeastern side. The number of casualties and injuries from this second assault is still being verified.

The Darfur Network for Human Rights is alarmed by the ongoing violence and violations of international humanitarian law in Darfur. The suspected delivery of weapons in Nyala, despite the arms embargo, and the intensifying attacks on civilian areas in El Fasher demonstrate a clear disregard for civilian protection. DNHR calls upon the international community to intensify efforts to monitor and enforce the arms embargo and to hold accountable those responsible for escalating the conflict and endangering the lives of innocent civilians. Urgent action is needed to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Darfur.