RSF captures Sudanese army headquarters in Nyala, residents say

NYALA, OCTOBER 26, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – Sudan’s rebellious paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Thursday morning captured the Sudanese army’s 16^th infantry division headquarters in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, residents tell Sudans Post.

The capture of the army headquarters in Nyala comes after days of intense fighting in which the army soldiers stationed there tried to resist the RSF advance, and it is a major blow to the Sudanese government and could lead to a further escalation of the conflict.

“There had been fighting for two days and yesterday evening it subsidized and early this morning we heard heavy gunfire and explosions,” one resident told Sudans Post. “Then we saw RSF vehicles driving into the army base. They took control without much resistance this morning.”

Another resident who also preferred not to be identified said RSF soldiers looted the army base and took away valuable belongings of the defeated SAF soldiers.

“The RSF soldiers were looting everything they could get their hands on,” the resident said. “They took weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and even food,” they added, though security sources told Sudans Post that base had no food stocks.

The capture of the army headquarters in Nyala comes amid a period of escalation of fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army. In recent weeks, there have been clashes between the two forces in several parts of Sudan including the capital Khartoum.

It is unclear what the RSF’s intentions are in Nyala. However, some analysts believe that the group is trying to consolidate its control over South Darfur, which is a strategic region that borders Chad and Central African Republic.

The army has not yet officially commented on the capture of the army headquarters in Nyala, but a official told Sudans Post that they are “investigating the claims.”

RESIDENTS FEAR FOR THEIR SAFETY

Residents of Nyala expressed fear for their safety following the RSF’s capture of the army headquarters.

“We are very afraid,” one resident said. “The RSF has a reputation for violence and brutality. We don’t know what they will do to us now that they are in control.”

Another resident said that they are planning to flee Nyala if the situation does not improve soon.

“We can’t stay here any longer,” the resident said. “We are afraid of being killed or raped by the RSF.”

The capture of the army headquarters in Nyala is a significant development in the Sudanese war. It comes at a time when the two parties are about to resume peace talks mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.