Rapid Support Forces Officers Seize Civilian Homes in Nyala’s Al-Imtidad Neighborhood

A number of homeowners in the Al-Imtidad neighborhood in Nyala, South Darfur State, accused Rapid Support Forces (RSF) I officers on Monday of seizing their homes after they were displaced by the war that erupted between the Sudanese army and the militia in 2023.

Residents of the neighborhood reported that the frequency of attacks on homes by militia officers and their families has recently increased, with the aim of seizing property. They based their claims on allegations that the residents are from northern Sudan or belong to the regular forces.

The residents revealed that the forces have seized more than 20 homes in the neighborhood, confirming that many residents have been forced to leave their homes under constant threat of eviction or arrest on charges of belonging to the Sudanese army.

Mohammed Awad, a resident of the neighborhood, said that an officer in the Rapid Support Forces militia came to a house last January and, along with others, assaulted a family living there. The head of the household was then arrested on suspicion of belonging to the armed forces, and the family was evicted from their home.

Awad added that some lawyers filed complaints with a judicial committee affiliated with the militia forces, headed by Deputy Prosecutor Ahmed Al-Hala. However, the committee rejected the requests submitted by the homeowners, which demanded the evacuation of the homes by the rebel elements.

He pointed out that a neighbor intervened, demanding that the family leave, emphasizing that the house belonged to a civilian, not a member of the military. However, the officer arrested him, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Residents warn of escalating land seizures, cautioning that the continuation of these practices could lead to the displacement of more families and create a climate of tension and fear in the neighborhood. They emphasized that these actions constitute a blatant violation of civilians’ rights to their homes and property, further exacerbating the already fragile humanitarian situation after years of conflict.

Meanwhile, local authorities and residents continue their efforts to reclaim homes and hold those responsible accountable, amid calls for monitoring civilian rights and halting the attacks.