Um Dafuq, April 16 (Darfur24)
Hundreds of armed civilians have gathered in Um Dafuq locality in South Darfur State, following the killing of four Sudanese inside the Central African Republic, raising fears of a potential cross-border escalation.
A local leader told Darfur24 that around 350 armed men, mostly youth on motorcycles, from Um Dukhun and Rahad al-Bardi mobilized in the area, driven by calls for revenge over the killings, which occurred last week inside Central African territory.
He said the group rejected directives from local administrations and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to disperse, warning that some were threatening to carry out retaliatory attacks across the border.
In response, eyewitnesses reported that Russian forces deployed in the Central African Republic have reinforced their presence along the border, particularly opposite Um Dafuq, and intensified patrols in anticipation of any escalation.
The tensions follow the killing of four Sudanese men who had crossed into Central African territory to collect firewood, an incident that has fueled anger among local communities and prompted calls for action from victims’ families.
The border region has witnessed rising insecurity in recent months, with residents accusing Russian forces and allied armed elements of repeated incursions into Sudanese territory and abuses against traders and herders.
Russian forces, for their part, have justified their movements as part of efforts to counter armed groups operating in the Central African Republic, according to local sources.