Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – The Sudanese army has accused the paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of “abducting and murdering” the governor of West Darfur state, Mohamed El Tom, nearly two months after a power struggle.
The governor was killed on May 15, and since then, there has been no conclusive evidence linking anyone to his death. However, the military’s spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Amer Mohammed Al-Hassan, announced on Wednesday that the RSF had “kidnapped and killed” the governor.
“The RSF entered his office, abducted him in front of his staff, and took him to an unknown location. Later, we found out that he was killed,” Al-Hassan said.
This announcement has added another layer of complexity to the political crisis in Sudan, which has been struggling with a power vacuum since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019. The RSF has been accused of multiple human rights abuses in the past and is notorious for its brutal tactics.
The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), a civil society group that played a key role in the protests that led to al-Bashir’s ouster, has condemned the killing, calling it a “heinous crime.”
“This is a serious development that requires immediate investigation and accountability. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. We demand a transparent investigation,” the SPA said in a statement.
The governor’s death has also triggered protests in West Darfur, with residents demanding justice for him and an end to the violence in the region. In response, the military has deployed troops to the area to maintain order, but tensions remain high.
The Sudanese government has been struggling to control the RSF, which was originally formed as a counter-insurgency force but has since become a powerful paramilitary force with significant political influence. The RSF is accused of multiple human rights abuses, including the brutal crackdown on protesters in June 2019 that killed more than 100 people.
The killing of the governor has further eroded public trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens, and many are calling for the disbandment of the RSF.
“The RSF is a threat to national security and a menace to the people of Sudan. It must be disbanded immediately,” one protester said.
The Sudanese government has promised to investigate the governor’s death and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, given the RSF’s power and influence, many are skeptical that justice will be served.
