Al-Tina, November 9 (Darfur24)
Local sources in Al-Tina, on the border between Sudan and Chad, reported escalating security tensions on Saturday, amid widespread concerns about a possible Rapid Support Forces attack on the area.
The heightened fears have led to the closure of most shops in the town’s main market, with traders transferring their goods to the Chadian side. At the same time, large numbers of displaced people have begun leaving shelters and residential neighborhoods in Al-Tina and moving toward refugee camps in eastern Chad.
Al-Tina is one of the last towns in Darfur where Sudanese army forces and allied groups remain present.
Hussein Ibrahim, a trader, told Darfur24 that commercial movement between Al-Tina and other parts of North Darfur has been halted since the Rapid Support Forces took control of El Fasher in late October. He said traders have moved all goods across the border to Chad in anticipation of a possible offensive on the town.
A volunteer of the emergency response committee, who requested anonymity for security reasons, confirmed that displaced families who had earlier fled from El Fasher are continuing their journey toward Chad, where UNHCR is receiving them and transferring them to camps.
He added that the town is now witnessing an almost complete shutdown of the main market and a growing departure of residents, leaving behind mainly military personnel and a small number of civilians.
A senior military source in the Sudanese army said that forces and allied groups have reinforced defensive positions around the town and increased security at the Al-Tina border crossing. However, relief and commercial movements through the crossing have been suspended for months.
The source added that the Rapid Support Forces have mobilized units in the town of Kalbus, led by Idris Hassan, in what is believed to be preparation for an attack on Al-Tina, which is considered the army’s last remaining stronghold in Darfur.
He confirmed that fears of a repeat of the events in El Fasher have prompted most residents, traders, and displaced people to leave the town toward Chad in recent days.