RSF enter Gedaref State for the first time
Force of 17 vehicles seen in northern part of Sudan's eastern state
A small convoy of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) yesterday entered Al Butanah Locality of Gedaref State, visiting some remote villages and the mining town of Wad Bashara.
Wad Bashara is approximately 150 km east of previous RSF sightings in Um Dawanban and Abu Groon in Khartoum State.
After consolidating control over most of Khartoum State—except for Northern Omdurman, Wadi Saidna, and pockets of Khartoum and Bahri—the RSF now roam freely into bordering parts of neighboring states.
According to a witness who filmed the convoy, it consisted of 17 vehicles, commanded by Abu Aqlah Kikel, a defector from the Sudan Armed Forces. In recent months, Kikel has played a prominent role on behalf of the RSF as a liaison with rural communities in Khartoum State and northern White Nile.
These patrols may have different purposes, including scouting, looting or purchasing supplies, and recruiting new soldiers or informants among the populace. During some of these visits, the RSF have brought gifts for t…