RSF: Special Forces Deployed to Nyala, Security Intensifies

• RSF special forces have been deployed to Nyala, South Darfur, under orders from Lt Gen Mohammed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and head of the Security and Defence Council for the parallel Tasees government, which he leads.
• This deployment has led to intensified security checks and surveillance operations in Nyala, following a two-year period of deteriorating security.
• Urologist Dr. Ammar Ahmed survived an assassination attempt in Nyala, shot by individuals in vehicles reportedly belonging to the RSF.
• The Sudan Doctors Network condemned the attack on Dr. Ahmed, calling for an end to violence against medical staff and urging authorities to ensure their protection and accountability for perpetrators.

This call highlights the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of medical facilities and personnel in all circumstances, especially during armed conflict.

In a significant development for the volatile South Darfur security situation, special forces have been deployed to Nyala, the region's capital. This deployment, aimed at maintaining internal security, was initiated under the direct orders of Lieutenant General Mohammed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, who serves as both the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the head of the Security and Defence Council for the Tasees government, a parallel administration established by the RSF. Following the arrival of these RSF special forces in Nyala, residents have observed a marked intensification of security checks and surveillance operations across the city's streets.

A commander among the newly deployed special forces indicated that their mission, mandated by decisions from the Security and Defence Council, is to safeguard citizens, ensure their security, and reinforce state authority not only in Nyala but also in other cities under the control of forces aligned with the parallel Tasees government. This strategic move comes after a protracted period of declining security in Nyala, a trend that has persisted for the past two years.

The intensified security environment in Nyala has been underscored by a recent violent incident targeting medical professionals. Dr. Ammar Ahmed, a urologist, narrowly survived an assassination attempt within the city. The attack, which saw Dr. Ahmed shot as he was departing his workplace hospital, was reportedly carried out by individuals traveling in vehicles identified as belonging to the Rapid Support Forces.

Following the shooting, Dr. Ahmed was transported to another medical facility in Nyala to receive urgent treatment for his injuries. This grave incident prompted a swift response from the Sudan Doctors Network, which issued a statement on Thursday condemning the deliberate targeting of medical staff and healthcare workers.

The Sudan Doctors Network's statement went beyond mere condemnation, issuing a strong appeal for an immediate cessation of all violations and attacks directed against doctors and other healthcare personnel. The network specifically emphasized the critical need for the safety and protection of medical professionals as they carry out their essential duties, particularly within conflict-affected regions where healthcare services are most desperately required.

Furthermore, the organization urged both local and international authorities to take decisive and urgent action to halt these assaults on medical personnel and to ensure that those responsible for such acts are held fully accountable. This call highlights the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of medical facilities and personnel in all circumstances, especially during armed conflict.

The deployment of RSF special forces in Nyala and the subsequent attack on a medical professional underscore a deteriorating South Darfur security situation with significant implications for regional stability and human rights. The stated objectives of the Rapid Support Forces surveillance Nyala operations — to protect citizens and uphold state authority — are juxtaposed against an incident involving vehicles linked to the RSF in an assassination attempt on a doctor.

This complex scenario necessitates heightened vigilance from international observers and humanitarian organizations. Lawyers advising clients with operations or personnel in South Darfur should note the intensified security measures and increased risk of violence, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and medical staff under international humanitarian law. This situation necessitates updated risk assessments and contingency planning for personnel safety and operational continuity, and potential implications for human rights due diligence.

Lawyers advising clients with operations or personnel in South Darfur should note the intensified security measures and increased risk of violence, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and medical staff under international humanitarian law. This situation necessitates updated risk assessments and contingency planning for personnel safety and operational continuity, and potential implications for human rights due diligence.

Source: Original reporting via source article