On January 9, 2025, in Kabkabiya, North Darfur, a local leader revealed that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) detained three individuals on charges of collaborating with the Sudanese Army and allegedly providing coordinates for airstrikes on the city.
The local leader, who requested anonymity, identified the detainees as Mohamed Issa Salih, Adam Musa Arbab, and Najmal Dien Khater. They were arrested at the Al-Mawashi market and taken to the 21st Infantry Brigade headquarters for questioning. After the interrogation, one of the detainees was found with alleged incriminating messages on his phone, leading to his continued detention. The remaining two were fined 500,000 Sudanese pounds each (approximately $831.95 USD), which their families paid, securing their release the following afternoon.
The leader also reported that the RSF has intensified arbitrary arrests, often targeting young people, conducting invasive phone searches, monitoring satellite internet centers, and detaining individuals without evidence. In many cases, fines are imposed even without proof of wrongdoing, turning detentions into opportunities for financial extortion.
An eyewitness from Kabkabiya disclosed that the family of detainee Mohamed Issa Salih tried to pay any amount necessary for his release, but they were informed by an RSF soldier that he would be transferred to El-Fasher for further investigation.
The RSF has maintained control over Kabkabiya since 2023, following limited clashes with the 21st Infantry Brigade, part of the 6th Infantry Division based in El-Fasher.
Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) Response
The DNHR condemns these arbitrary arrests and ransom demands by the RSF in Kabkabiya, describing them as clear violations of human rights and abuses of power. The DNHR calls for:
- An immediate end to arbitrary detentions and the extortion of civilians.
- Independent investigations into these incidents to hold perpetrators accountable.
- Adherence to international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civil liberties in conflict zones.
- The release of all detainees held without evidence or due process.
The DNHR urges international and regional actors to intervene and address these human rights violations, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and restore the rule of law in Darfur.