Nyala, January 23 (Darfur24)
Multiple sources in Muhajiriya town, East Darfur State, reported on Thursday that a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unit arrested a senior leader of the regional administration on Wednesday and took him to an unknown location.
An elder from the Native Administration in East Darfur, speaking to Darfur24 on condition of anonymity, said an armed force detained Omar Adibo, mayor of the Zaghawa tribe in Muhajiriya, part of Yass locality near the South Darfur border. The source added that 15 other elders and youth from the area were also taken.
According to the source, the local administration contacted the leader of the Rizeigat tribe to inform him of the mayor’s arrest and transfer to an undisclosed location.
The elder said the mayor had come under pressure to declare loyalty to the RSF-backed “establishment” administration but refused, maintaining a neutral stance while continuing to manage community affairs in the town.
Separately, a source familiar with the RSF’s civilian administration in South Darfur told Darfur24 that the mayor was transferred to Nyala under RSF military supervision due to his refusal to cooperate with the RSF-aligned administration and his non-recognition of its authority.
Residents described the mayor as having remained in Muhajiriya since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF, continuing to mediate disputes and oversee community matters.
Since June 2023, several Native Administration leaders in Darfur have publicly declared support for the RSF in its conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces. Others have appeared in videos pledging allegiance to the group, including recent statements by notables in North Darfur.
In response, Darfur state governors appointed by Sudan’s military authorities have dismissed several Native Administration leaders, accusing them of supporting the RSF, undermining state institutions, and mobilizing local communities in its favor.