Nyala, July 20 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have arrested Major General Al-Jazouli Al-Tahir, commander of the Rahad Al-Bardi and Um Dafuq sector in South Darfur State, over allegations that he supported and harbored an armed group operating in the Central African Republic (CAR), multiple sources told Darfur24 on Monday.
According to local sources, RSF commanders in Nyala summoned Al-Tahir for questioning over recent events along the Sudan-CAR border. He was reportedly arrested by an RSF force at the entrance to Rahad Al-Bardi as he was leaving Nyala, and his military vehicle was confiscated.
Other sources alleged that Al-Tahir supplied members of the Seleka armed group with military equipment, including ammunition and uniforms, and allowed wounded fighters to receive treatment at the Sudanese hospital in Um Dafuq. Darfur24 could not independently verify the allegations.
Last month, an alliance of Central African opposition groups briefly captured the border town of Am Dafoug before government forces, backed by Russian personnel, retook it a week later.
The Sudan-CAR border has remained closed since the town was recaptured, disrupting trade and movement for thousands of Sudanese herders and traders who depend on cross-border commerce and humanitarian exchanges. The route has become increasingly important since the outbreak of the war in Sudan in April 2023, which has cut off several transport corridors linking Darfur with northern, central, and eastern Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Ta’isha tribal administration, whose members live in Rahad Al-Bardi and Um Dafuq, reaffirmed its commitment to agreements reached with the Kara tribe and other border communities in the Central African Republic. In a statement, it rejected any attempts to undermine stability in the neighboring country.
The Sudan-CAR border region has witnessed recurring security tensions involving cross-border armed groups and tribal communities, resulting in casualties on both sides.