Darfur Victims Support Organization
Report on the Attacks on Shag Al-Nil Village and Al-Siyah Administrative Unit
October 6, 2024
The Darfur Victims Support Organization conducted field investigations into attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur between May and September 2024. These attacks targeted Shag Al-Nil village (Tindaleto) and Al-Siyah Administrative Unit (Tiqabo), where widespread destruction, burning, and the killing and injury of many civilians took place. The organization condemns these attacks and demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice, the arms embargo on the RSF and Sudanese army be enforced, and the blockade on civilian areas be lifted.
Details:
1. Attack by the Rapid Support Forces on Shag Al-Nil Village (Tindaleto)
On October 5, 2024, the Darfur Victims Support Organization conducted interviews with some of the victims of the attack on Shag Al-Nil village (Tindaleto), which took place on May 12, 2024. Witnesses reported that the attack occurred around 2:00 PM, when RSF forces stormed the village, located under the administration of Um Kadada locality in North Darfur State.
Shag Al-Nil (Tindaleto) is situated 30 kilometers south of Um Kadada, and the attacking forces came from Abu Hamira village, located about 7 kilometers south of Shag Al-Nil. The attacking force consisted of approximately 17 military vehicles led by Captain Al-Noor Abdeen.
The attack coincided with a visit by a delegation from the native administration, led by Othman Abbas Dhaw Al-Beit, Deputy Chief of the East Darfur Tribes’ Administration, who was leading efforts to defuse the crisis between local citizens. The attack resulted in the complete burning of Tindaleto village, the destruction of the water station and schools, the looting of the local market, and the killing of 6 civilians, with 5 others injured and transferred to Um Kadada Hospital for treatment.
2. Attack by the Rapid Support Forces on Al-Siyah Administrative Unit (Tiqabo)
On September 12 and 13, 2024, the RSF launched another attack on Al-Siyah Administrative Unit in North Darfur State, specifically in the city of Tiqabo. According to an eyewitness who spoke to the Advocacy Organization for Darfur Victims, the attack took place around 11:00 AM and involved a force of approximately 50 military Land Cruiser vehicles operated by the RSF.
Government forces had withdrawn from the city a day before the attack, which allowed the RSF to proceed with their assault. As a result, 16 civilians were killed, and 10 others were injured. The attacking forces also looted and burned many civilian homes.
Condemnation and Recommendations by the Darfur Victims Support Organization:
The Darfur Victims Support Organization condemns these attacks as blatant violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes war crimes under international law. In light of these violations, the organization calls for the following actions:
1. Bringing the Perpetrators to Justice: The organization demands the prosecution of those responsible for these crimes in national or international courts to ensure justice for the victims in accordance with international standards.
2. Enforcing the Arms Embargo: The organization urges the UN Security Council to enforce the arms embargo on the parties involved in the conflict, particularly the RSF and the Sudanese army, to stop the ongoing violence against civilians.
3. Lifting the Siege and Halting Attacks: The organization calls on the RSF and affiliated militias to immediately lift the siege on the city of El-Fasher and cease all hostilities against civilian areas in compliance with international humanitarian law.
In conclusion, the Darfur Victims Support Organization stresses the urgent need for the international community to take immediate and effective action to protect civilians in Darfur and hold those responsible for serious violations accountable.