Mass Arrests Sweep Nyala Following Reports of RSF Withdrawal from El-Geneina

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intelligence launched a wide-ranging arrest campaign in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, following widespread reports that RSF combat units had withdrawn from El-Geneina in West Darfur.

Local sources told the Shahid Ayan platform that the crackdown targeted civilians accused by the RSF of spying for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Joint Force of the Armed Movements, in an apparent attempt to contain growing panic and discontent among its ranks after reports emerged from El-Geneina front.

According to the sources, RSF leaders in Nyala organized a series of public gatherings in markets and public squares to deny reports of the military setback. However, they said hospitals in the city received large numbers of wounded RSF fighters from El-Geneina, while hundreds of foreign mercenaries appeared in Nyala to reinforce the group’s depleted ranks.

Meanwhile, anxiety is mounting among Nyala residents. One mother said, “Our sons who were taken to the war have not returned, and we fear we may be waiting for them in vain,” reflecting what the sources described as heavy RSF casualties in the Darfur fighting.