Russian forces have intensified arrests, detentions, and torture campaigns targeting Sudanese nomads in the Central African Republic. On Thursday, residents of Umm Dafuq in South Darfur accused Russian troops of killing five shepherds in Al-Sayheb, twenty kilometres inside the Central African Republic.
Since early August, Russian and local forces have waged violent operations along the border, resulting in at least twelve Sudanese deaths. Survivor Mohammed al-Hussein told the attacks occurred in Dahl, Andha, Umm Gatwaya, and Al-Sayhab after torture accusations of Rapid Support Forces affiliation.
Witnesses reported Russian soldiers conducting ground raids and aerial surveillance via helicopters in border villages, arresting shepherds on accusing them of being related with RSF. Local authorities in the Central African Republic accused Sudanese residents of RSF membership, particularly around the Andha gold mining area in Brau province.
General Abdel Fattah al Burhan related Russian campaign has forced dozens of Sudanese from border towns, including Al-Sayheb, Bishma, and Umm Tabila, to flee to Umm Dafuq city. Families of victims appealed to the Rapid Support Forces and human rights groups for protection against systematic Russian attacks on civilians.
Trader Issa Mohammed said the military operations have disrupted vital trade between Darfur and the Central African Republic, affecting essential goods and materials.
