Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, is facing an unprecedented collapse in security. Violations have sharply escalated to include extrajudicial killings, systematic looting, extortion, and kidnappings for ransom, with senior officers accused of organizing and directing these criminal enterprises.

The lawlessness peaked following the arrival of numerous Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters retreating from military losses on the fronts in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, White Nile, and Sennar states. According to local sources, these returning fighters have unleashed a wave of widespread looting and plunder. This has turned civilian life into a nightmare, forcing dozens of merchants and employees into hiding for fear of being targeted.

The paramilitary forces, however, deny responsibility for the lawlessness, claiming the perpetrators are rogue elements exploiting the war. Since the conflict began between the national army and the RSF in April 2023, the latter has controlled Nyala and vast territories in the greater Darfur region. The RSF plans to announce a parallel government there under the Sudan Founding Alliance, also known as “Tasis” launched several months ago.

“We are living through harrowing days,” Aisha, a resident of the al-Wahda neighbourhood, told the Sudan Tribune. “RSF soldiers and their allied tribal militias are looting everything, even food and vegetables from the markets.” She recounted how her son was stabbed when he resisted an armed group trying to steal his phone in front of their home. Aisha added that she is now seriously considering fleeing the city to find safety.

A merchant in the “Mawqif al-Geneina” market explained that armed RSF groups extort traders, forcing them to pay hefty “protection” fees. “The market has descended into utter chaos, overrun with armed men—some just children—who loot and rob at gunpoint,” he said. He revealed that this has driven prominent merchants to flee to Chad, Libya, and South Sudan.

Human rights activist Othman Badr al-Din attributes the crime wave to a vacuum of law and order. He notes that RSF fighters have not been paid since the war began, driving them to loot and kill simply to provide for themselves.

The chaos and lawlessness gripping the city are most concentrated in two main markets:

Gadora Market: located in the city’s southwest, is entirely controlled by elements loyal to the RSF. According to Badr al-Din, everything is sold here, including weapons, ammunition, and drugs. He asserts, “The RSF and its civil government have no authority over this market; in fact, most of its traders are officers and soldiers in the force.”

Mawqif al-Geneina Market: This market is dominated by traders from non-Arab ethnic groups who are subjected to constant extortion. It has been the scene of deadly incidents, including the killing of six RSF soldiers by a former army soldier who retaliated with a hand grenade after facing repeated extortion.

Multiple sources have confirmed to the Sudan Tribune that senior RSF officers directly oversee the gangs terrorizing civilians. The sources named specific individuals, including Colonel Mohammed Shorba and Lieutenant Colonel Ali Aliyoud, the latter of whom was killed by another RSF group while attempting to transport stolen money and vehicles. They also identified a Lieutenant Colonel “Ayna,” who led a criminal gang before a merchant killed him with a hand grenade last March.

“Death Camps” and enforced disappearances

Specialized kidnapping groups are active in Nyala, where over 100 people have vanished under mysterious circumstances in the last two months. The RSF operates multiple detention centers in the city, most notoriously the “Neem Forest” and the former military intelligence headquarters. Dozens of civilians, merchants, employees, and retired army and police officers are imprisoned in these facilities, typically accused of spying for the army.

One citizen reported his brother was abducted near the Turkish Hospital after being accused of photographing the facility where RSF fighters are treated. His captors demanded a ransom of 7 million Sudanese pounds for his release.

RSF denies allegations

In response, Mustafa Mohammed Ibrahim, an advisor to the RSF commander, denied the accusations. “These lawless acts are not committed by the Rapid Support Forces, but by rogue elements who have exploited the war,” he told the Sudan Tribune. He accused “operatives linked to the former National Congress Party” of mobilizing these gangs to create instability.

Ibrahim affirmed that the RSF leadership has implemented a security plan and arrested several perpetrators. He denied that merchants were fleeing the city and stressed that his forces “will not tolerate any member who commits a crime.”

Multiple sources have confirmed to the Sudan Tribune that senior RSF officers directly oversee the gangs terrorizing civilians. The sources named specific individuals, including Colonel Mohammed Shorba and Lieutenant Colonel Ali Aliyoud, the latter of whom was killed by another RSF group while attempting to transport stolen money and vehicles. They also identified a Lieutenant Colonel “Ayna,” who led a criminal gang before a merchant killed him with a hand grenade last March.

“Death Camps” and enforced disappearances

Specialized kidnapping groups are active in Nyala, where over 100 people have vanished under mysterious circumstances in the last two months. The RSF operates multiple detention centers in the city, most notoriously the “Neem Forest” and the former military intelligence headquarters. Dozens of civilians, merchants, employees, and retired army and police officers are imprisoned in these facilities, typically accused of spying for the army.

One citizen reported his brother was abducted near the Turkish Hospital after being accused of photographing the facility where RSF fighters are treated. His captors demanded a ransom of 7 million Sudanese pounds for his release.

RSF denies allegations

In response, Mustafa Mohammed Ibrahim, an advisor to the RSF commander, denied the accusations. “These lawless acts are not committed by the Rapid Support Forces, but by rogue elements who have exploited the war,” he told the Sudan Tribune. He accused “operatives linked to the former National Congress Party” of mobilizing these gangs to create instability.

Ibrahim affirmed that the RSF leadership has implemented a security plan and arrested several perpetrators. He denied that merchants were fleeing the city and stressed that his forces “will not tolerate any member who commits a crime.”