Legal complaints worth millions of dollars have been filed against Sudanese field commander Ali Rizkallah, known as al-Savanna, over allegations that his forces looted crops and commercial property from the market in al-Nuhud last year, local reports said.
The complaints were submitted by the Chamber of Commerce in al-Nuhud, a key trading hub in West Kordofan, amid claims from affected merchants that losses from the alleged looting could amount to tens of millions of dollars.
The move comes after al-Savanna, who recently joined General al-Burhan’s SAF, appeared in a video from Saudi Arabia while wearing ihram clothing during pilgrimage rites. In the video, he called for an end to Sudan’s war, the restoration of security and stability, and the preservation of the country’s unity. He also prayed for what he described as tyranny and oppression to be lifted.
His appearance triggered debate among Sudanese commentators, coming at a time of rapid military and political shifts and as merchants in al-Nuhud move to pursue legal action over incidents that took place in the city.
Local sources said the Chamber of Commerce began opening formal complaints after al-Savanna joined General al-Burhan’s SAF. The legal steps followed efforts by affected traders to prepare a case file containing documents, witness statements, testimonies and video material linked to the alleged looting.
According to information circulated by the merchants, the legal memorandum relies on witness accounts and footage that allegedly shows al-Savanna’s group entering al-Nuhud’s market, commercial warehouses and the city’s main crops exchange. The exchange is one of the largest agricultural trading centres in western Sudan.
The reported incidents took place after General al-Burhan’s SAF and allied groups withdrew from the city, according to the same accounts.
The case has added another layer of controversy around al-Savanna, whose public call for peace from Saudi Arabia contrasted sharply with accusations now being brought by traders who say they suffered major financial losses during the fighting.
Sudanese News reported that the latest developments have raised fresh questions over the messages being sent by armed commanders who speak of peace while remaining tied to wartime abuses and unresolved legal claims.
