Al-Daein, December 15 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) elements have released dozens of Sudanese army soldiers captured during the takeover of the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters in Babnusa, West Kordofan State, earlier this month.
A local administration official in East Darfur told Darfur24 on Monday that dozens of the released soldiers have returned to their families in several localities across East Darfur and West Kordofan.
According to the official, the releases followed communications and informal settlements between RSF elements and local administrations, leading to the release of more than 150 soldiers. Those freed arrived in Adila and Abu Jabra in East Darfur State, as well as Al-Nuhud, Al-Tabun, Al-Qantur, Al-Udya, and Al-Mujlad in West Kordofan State.
Sources confirmed that most of the releases were secured through financial settlements ranging from 2 to 4 million Sudanese pounds per detainee. The payments were reportedly arranged through direct contact with the soldiers’ families and handed over after the prisoners were freed.
The sources noted that these arrangements were made individually with RSF members and were not conducted through official RSF channels.
The RSF seized control of the 22nd Division headquarters in Babanusa in early December following heavy fighting that forced army units to withdraw toward Heglig, during which a large number of soldiers and officers were captured.