Khartoum, January 19 (Darfur24)
Eyewitnesses and local sources in North Darfur reported that large numbers of travelers heading to northern and central Sudan have been turned back by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and prevented from continuing their journeys at multiple checkpoints across the state.
Ilham Ibrahim, who recently arrived in Omdurman from Golo in Jebel Marra after a journey lasting more than nine days, told Darfur24 that travel out of Darfur now depends largely on smuggling networks and significant financial payments.
She said she traveled from Jebel Marra to Kabkabiya, where the driver instructed passengers to claim they were traveling only to Mellit, avoiding any mention of the Northern State. At checkpoints, RSF personnel questioned passengers about their destinations, turning back anyone found to be heading toward eastern or northern states.
Ilham added that after reaching Mellit, she was transferred to Souq al-Arab, southeast of the city, before continuing via smuggling routes. The journey took more than nine days and cost over 1.5 million Sudanese pounds.
Another traveler, Mudathir Mohamed Ahmed, told Darfur24 that RSF forces stopped his group in the Hamra al-Sheikh area while they were traveling to Ad-Dabba in Northern State. He said they were forced to return to Mellit despite his intention to travel for university studies. Some sick passengers, he added, were allowed to pass after paying money at a checkpoint east of Hamra al-Sheikh.
Mudathir said he later joined a smuggling convoy, paying one million Sudanese pounds to reach Ad-Dabba in four days. The group traveled via the northeastern Al-Malha route, losing their way in the desert before eventually joining other vehicles bound for Ad-Dabba.
Other eyewitnesses reported that the RSF has established more than 20 checkpoints across the desert and remote areas of Dar Kababish to intercept commercial trucks and passenger vehicles heading toward the Northern State. They said RSF personnel categorize travelers as patients, traders, students, or suspected military personnel — arresting some, while allowing others to proceed after paying mandatory crossing fees.
A trader, speaking anonymously, told Darfur24 that most travelers originate from Jebel Marra, Kabkabiya, Mellit, and other Darfur areas. He said the RSF has also banned the transport of goods and livestock to eastern states, including tobacco, peanuts, sesame, hibiscus, baobab, and watermelon seeds. Commercial trucks are subjected to intensive searches, while smuggling vehicles are pursued along rough desert roads.
Darfur24 was unable to independently verify the number of travelers affected by these measures.