Violent clashes have erupted again between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Daein, the capital of East Darfur State, putting an end to a period of peace in the capital of the Reizagat tribe.
Despite tribal leaders playing a crucial role in maintaining regional calm, their calls for peace were disregarded as the RSF commander initiated an attack on the army garrison, triggering a conflict in the town.
In the lead-up to the clashes, the RSF had been deploying significant military reinforcements from South Darfur to El Daein.
According to a member of the mediation committee between the army and the RSF, who spoke on condition of anonymity, violent clashes occurred near the 20th Infantry Division Command, situated 7 miles south of the city of El Daein, despite concerted efforts by local leaders, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and youth figures.
Following hours of fighting, a cautious calm was restored on the city streets, but civilians residing near the army headquarters are continuing to flee.
Social media platforms associated with the RSF have released video clips depicting soldiers inside Al Daein Airport, declaring control of the facility and vowing to advance towards the army command.
Addressing a crowd of civilians within El-Daein’s large market, Saeed Madibo, the representative of the paramount chief of the Rizeigat tribe, pledged to protect the market and prevent any armed groups from entering it.
The RSF has recently expanded its presence in the Darfur region, consolidating control over three states: South, West, and Central Darfur. The group is now actively seeking control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and El-Daein.
Concerns of a civil war in the Darfur region are growing, especially after two of the significant armed movements, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Arko Minawi and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) led by Gibril Ibrahim, announced their support for the army in its fight against the RSF after signing the Juba Peace Agreement.
The outbreak of violence in El-Daein represents a major setback for peace efforts in Darfur and raises the specter of a broader conflict in the region.
