Nyala, November 8 (Darfur24)
Residents of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, reported a noticeable decline in the number of flights landing at Nyala International Airport following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of El Fasher late last month.
Nyala Airport resumed operations on September 24 last year, when the RSF announced the landing of the first cargo plane after a more than a year-long suspension due to the ongoing war in Sudan. Cargo flights had continued regularly in the months that followed.
However, eyewitnesses told Darfur24 that the number of flights declined significantly in November. One source said that the airport had previously received between three and four cargo flights daily in September and October, but the number has since dropped to one flight per day – and on some days, no flights at all.
According to the sources, the decline began after the RSF took control of El Fasher, the last major Sudanese army stronghold in Darfur, on October 26. The RSF has imposed strict security measures around the airport, which lies on the eastern outskirts of the city, preventing public access to the area.
In May, a cargo aircraft was destroyed on the runway during clashes with the Sudanese army.
The nature of the cargo transported through Nyala Airport remains unclear. Various sources suggest that the flights have carried modern weapons and drones for the RSF. An investigative report published jointly by Darfur24 and Ayin in January indicated that the airport has also been used as a route for smuggling gold extracted from the Songo and Radom mining areas.
Nyala remains a strategic logistical hub for the Rapid Support Forces.