Darfur Victims support Organization
Report on the Arrest of Civilians by the Rapid Support Forces in East Darfur – Shaq Hassan – Al-Daein, on the Grounds of Espionage with the Joint Forces – October 10, 2024
October 16, 2024
Amid the ongoing conflict in Darfur and the escalating tensions between various armed factions, civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence and instability. Violations against unarmed civilians are on the rise, whether through arbitrary arrests or fabricated charges that lack clear legal evidence. In this context, this report aims to document a new incident concerning the arrest of civilians in East Darfur on charges of espionage with the joint forces—an accusation often used to justify arbitrary arrests in the region.
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, a force affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces arrested four civilians from the Neem IDP camp in East Darfur, specifically in the Shaq Hassan area, approximately 35 kilometers north of Al-Daein. The arrest was made under the pretext of espionage with the joint forces, a common charge in the ongoing conflict, often used to legitimize the detention of individuals without adhering to proper legal procedures. The four civilians were in an agricultural area, working in their fields, and no evidence has been reported linking them to any espionage or military activities. This raises concerns about the validity of the accusations and prompts questions regarding the motivations behind their arrest.
According to the families of the detainees, who were interviewed by the Darfur Victims Support Organization, witnesses stated that the Rapid Support Forces consisted of a single Land Cruiser vehicle carrying about 10 armed personnel. This force arrested the four civilians at around 10 a.m. in the Shaq Hassan area and transported them to Rapid Support Forces’ outposts in the Qarnaya area, north of Al-Daein.
The detainees are:
1. Haj Ahmed Ibrahim – 39 years old, farmer
2. Ali Jado Ali – 41 years old, farmer
3. Abdullah Bakht Abdullah (Abdullah Tambura) – 27 years old, farmer
4. Osama Mohamed Ali Youssef (Azrako) – 22 years old, farmer
One of the detainees, Ali Jado Ali, was released on October 13, 2024, while the others remain in custody at the time of this report. The families of the detainees have expressed deep concern for the safety and health of their loved ones, especially given the harsh conditions in the detention centers, with no clear charges brought against them or any fair trial procedures. The families also emphasized that the detainees are civilians engaged in farming, with no connection to the joint forces or any armed movements.
Recommendations:
1. Immediate release of the detainees: The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained civilians, given the absence of any evidence supporting the charges against them.
2. Cessation of violations: The organization urges the Rapid Support Forces to cease all violations against civilians and to hold accountable those responsible for committing any arbitrary actions.
3. Independent international investigation: The organization recommends the initiation of an independent international investigation into the arbitrary arrests and violations against civilians in Darfur, ensuring that those found responsible are held accountable.
4. Human rights guarantees: The organization stresses the need to enhance the protection of human rights in Darfur and to stop the targeting of civilians with baseless accusations that lack any credibility.
In light of these concerning incidents, the Darfur Victims support Organization views the arrest of these civilians as a clear violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. The use of espionage accusations to justify arbitrary detentions must be strongly condemned, and civilians living in conflict zones must be treated in accordance with international standards that protect them from abuses and violations.