The Rapid Support Forces has opened an investigation into the killing of 23 of its own members in North Kordofan’s Umm Badr area and has reportedly summoned a senior field commander for questioning over the incident.
Local Sudanese media, citing sources familiar with the case, said Brigadier Ali al-Balla, an RSF operations commander active along the Export Road and western Omdurman fronts, was ordered to report to Nyala as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The investigation follows the circulation of videos appearing to show bound and blindfolded detainees being shot after being accused of involvement in looting in Umm Badr.
The Sudan Times previously reported conflicting accounts of the incident. Sudanese medical groups initially described those killed as civilians, while RSF sources said they were members of the force accused of looting Umm Badr market and killing local traders.
Sources cited in the latest reports said the incident occurred on September 24 after RSF personnel detained several of their own fighters over allegations that they had taken part in looting the town’s market.
The detainees were allegedly killed without a formal trial or a full investigation into the accusations against them.
Al-Balla has been identified in circulating footage connected to the incident, although the precise circumstances surrounding the killings and the final number of victims have not been independently verified.
Another RSF field commander previously criticised the killings and called for those responsible to face judicial proceedings rather than summary punishment.
The reported investigation marks the first indication that the RSF leadership is formally examining responsibility for the incident.
Umm Badr has been at the centre of intense military activity in recent weeks as fighting shifts across western North Kordofan, where control of several towns and supply routes has changed hands between the RSF and Sudan’s military and its allied forces.
