The family of a senior Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) commander killed in South Darfur last month has rejected financial compensation offered by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), insisting that those responsible for his death be brought to justice.
Mohamed Bishr Nurein, a senior figure in the SLM faction led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur, was killed in early October when armed men attacked an artisanal gold mining site in West Keila, in South Darfur’s Al-Malam locality.
According to Darfur24, which cited family members and movement officials, the RSF provided compensation known locally as diya, or blood money, through SLM representatives in an effort to resolve the dispute.
However, Nurein’s relatives refused the payment and demanded that the suspects face prosecution.
Two suspects detained, four remain at large
SLM fighters detained two suspects after tracking the attackers and transferred them to the Jawa area of Jebel Marra, according to sources within the movement.
Four other individuals suspected of involvement in the killing remain at large.
A senior SLM official, speaking anonymously to Darfur24, said representatives of the movement and the RSF had held several meetings aimed at resolving the case.
The official said the RSF had handed over compensation money to the movement for delivery to the victim’s family, but the relatives rejected the proposed settlement despite local traditions that allow compensation to resolve certain disputes involving killings.
Further talks took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, focusing on arrangements to transfer the two detained suspects and pursue the remaining individuals.
The proposed agreement would allow the suspects to face trial in areas under RSF control.
Nurein was among the founding members of Abdel Wahid al-Nur’s movement and had held senior responsibilities across eastern Jebel Marra, including oversight of mining activities.
His killing raised tensions in the region, prompting efforts by local representatives and armed groups to prevent further violence.
The RSF previously denied that the detained suspects were members of its forces, saying they belonged to a separate mobilisation group. It also pledged to help apprehend those still wanted in connection with the killing.
The family’s refusal to accept compensation leaves the dispute unresolved as negotiations continue over the suspects’ custody and possible prosecution.
