Um Darfuq, June 29 (Darfur24)
Residents of Um Dafuq in South Darfur State said on Sunday that fighters from the Central African Republic’s (CAR) Seleka alliance have deployed inside Sudanese territory, raising fears of renewed insecurity along the border between the two countries.
The reported deployment comes days after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) sent additional reinforcements to the Sudan-Central African Republic border amid an increased military presence by Russian forces allied with the government in Bangui.
Hassan Al-Tijani, a resident of the Sudanese town of Um Dafuq, told Darfur24 that Seleka fighters moved from the Seraibo area, located in the border triangle between Sudan, Chad and the CAR, and crossed into Sudan in large numbers beginning on Saturday.
He said the fighters established camps northwest of Umm Dafuq and were later seen moving through the town on motorcycles, prompting concern among residents.
Meanwhile, Russian forces operating alongside the Central African government have reinforced their positions around the Central African town of Amdafouq, supported by allied African militias. According to local sources, they have ordered Sudanese refugees, herders and farmers to leave the area.
Sources told Darfur24 that the military build-up has effectively closed the border crossing between the two countries, disrupted trade and livestock movements, and contributed to an increase in looting and killings. The developments have also affected operations at the refugee camp in the Central African town of Amdafouq.
The Sudan-Central African Republic border has witnessed recurring security tensions for months amid the growing presence of Russian forces and mutual accusations over attacks targeting Sudanese herders and traders operating in the border region.