On October 1, 2026, elements of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group detained a trader in the market town of Bilel in South Darfur. The trader, identified as Adam Muhammad Abkar, also known as "Aduma," was taken into custody on allegations of receiving and disbursing salaries of retired Sudanese army personnel from Khartoum. According to local sources, the RSF force arrived from the city of Nyala and took Abkar into custody before transporting him to the former intelligence headquarters in the locality.
The detention of Abkar was reportedly linked to his alleged dealings with retired army personnel, for whom he received and distributed salaries transferred from Khartoum. A source from Bilel locality stated that local leaders attempted to intervene on Abkar's behalf, but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the RSF's refusal. The RSF allegedly cited previous warnings to Abkar regarding his dealings with retirees as the reason for his detention.
Following the failed local efforts to secure Abkar's release, the RSF transferred him to the city of Nyala. The incident has sparked concerns among residents of Bilel locality regarding dealings with employee and retiree salaries transferred from Khartoum. Several traders and financial transfer agency owners have been detained by the RSF in Nyala on allegations related to receiving salaries from Khartoum.
The RSF's actions have raised concerns about the security situation in South Darfur, particularly in regards to financial transactions and dealings with the state. Local sources reported that a number of accountants and financial transfer agency owners remain in RSF custody in Nyala. The situation has created uncertainty and fear among those involved in financial transactions in the region.
The detention of Abkar and others has also highlighted the complex security landscape in Darfur, where various groups and forces are operating. The RSF's involvement in detentions and alleged interrogations has been a subject of concern for human rights groups and local residents. Efforts to establish stability and security in the region continue to face challenges.
The incident in Bilel locality is not an isolated case, as similar detentions have been reported in other areas of South Darfur. The RSF's actions have been seen as a move to exert control over financial transactions and to assert its authority in the region. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the impact on local residents and the broader security situation.
The Sudanese government and international organizations have been monitoring the situation in Darfur, with concerns about human rights and security. The incident highlights the need for continued efforts to stabilize the region and ensure the protection of civilians. The situation in South Darfur remains a pressing concern, with ongoing challenges to security and stability.
Key points
- The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group detained a trader in South Darfur over alleged salary payments from Khartoum.
- The detention has sparked concerns among residents regarding dealings with employee and retiree salaries transferred from Khartoum.
- The incident highlights the complex security landscape in Darfur, where various groups and forces are operating.
