RSF: الدعم السريع توقف ستارلينك النهود, Closes Al-Nahud Markets

• On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ordered the indefinite closure of all public markets in Al-Nahud, West Kordofan.
• The RSF also mandated the indefinite disabling of Starlink satellite internet networks in Al-Nahud, effective Wednesday.
• These measures coincided with the arrival of RSF military reinforcements from Darfur, reportedly en route to North Kordofan.
• The Dar Hamar Emergency Room condemned the actions, citing deteriorating conditions and accusing the RSF of looting and civilian harassment.
• The emergency room called for urgent intervention from local, regional, and international bodies to protect civilians and restore access to essential services.

The emergency room expressed grave concerns that the disabling of satellite internet services would significantly impede residents and displaced families from communicating with their relatives.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) issued directives for the indefinite closure of all public markets within Al-Nahud city, situated in West Kordofan state. Concurrently, the paramilitary group mandated the disabling of Starlink satellite internet networks across the area, effective the following day, Wednesday. This significant escalation of control by the الدعم السريع توقف ستارلينك النهود (RSF stops Starlink Al-Nahud) measures coincided with the arrival of substantial military reinforcements for the RSF. These forces, originating from the Darfur region, were reportedly positioning themselves for an advance towards North Kordofan state, according to information from military sources.

The dual orders effectively cut off essential services and communication for the residents of Al-Nahud. The closure of public markets directly impacts the daily lives and economic activities of the populace, while the shutdown of satellite internet severs a critical link for information and connectivity. These actions represent a severe imposition of authority, restricting both commerce and communication channels indefinitely within the city.

In response to the RSF's directives, the Dar Hamar Emergency Room released a statement condemning the actions. The group highlighted that the "RSF militias" had issued a coercive decision to shut down all public markets and satellite communication networks in Al-Nahud locality, effective Wednesday and for an unspecified duration. This decision, they noted, comes at a time when Al-Nahud is already grappling with severely deteriorating security and living conditions. The emergency room expressed grave concerns that the disabling of satellite internet services would significantly impede residents and displaced families from communicating with their relatives.

Furthermore, the statement warned that the interruption of internet access would negatively impact the ability of residents to receive crucial financial transfers and manage their daily necessities, especially given the existing challenges in accessing basic services. The Dar Hamar Emergency Room explicitly accused the Rapid Support Forces of enforcing stringent security restrictions on the local population, alongside engaging in repeated acts of looting and harassment targeting civilians. They underscored the potential for severe humanitarian and economic repercussions resulting from the market closures and the disruption of communication channels.

The Dar Hamar Emergency Room further cautioned that the continued implementation of these restrictive measures risks exacerbating the suffering of the local population and deepening the region's already profound state of isolation. In light of these escalating concerns, the group issued an urgent appeal to various entities. They called upon local authorities, as well as regional and international human rights and humanitarian organizations, to intervene immediately. The primary objective of this requested intervention is to exert pressure on the Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians and ensure their uninterrupted access to essential markets, communication facilities, and fundamental services.

This plea underscores the critical need for external oversight and advocacy to mitigate the severe impact of the RSF's actions on civilian welfare. The emergency room's statement frames the situation as a humanitarian crisis requiring prompt and decisive action from the global community to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of those affected in Al-Nahud. The focus remains on ensuring that basic human needs and communication lifelines are restored and protected.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune