Tensions have escalated in the border regions between Sudan and the Central African Republic amid local accusations that Russian forces stationed inside the republic are targeting Sudanese residents in border towns. In recent days, military operations, as well as waves of arrests and raids, have intensified, affecting dozens of Sudanese herders living in these areas.
According to local testimonies from Um Dafuq in South Darfur, residents accused Russian forces of killing five of their people in the town of Al-Suheib, located 20 kilometers inside the Central African Republic. The incident was described as part of a series of assaults that have claimed the lives of at least 12 Sudanese since early August.
Accounts from survivors revealed that Russian operations extended to several towns in Birao Prefecture, including Al-Dahl, Andaha, and Um Qatwieh. Civilians were reportedly arrested and tortured over accusations of affiliation with the Rapid Support Forces. Testimonies also pointed to the use of helicopters for aerial surveillance, with Russian forces particularly targeting Sudanese herders and detaining them under harsh conditions.
Meanwhile, local authorities in the Central African Republic voiced concern over the presence of Sudanese individuals on their territory, accusing some of having ties to the RSF, particularly in gold-rich areas such as the Andaha mine. These suspicions prompted Russian forces to bolster their military presence, triggering large-scale displacement of Sudanese towards Um Dafuq inside Sudan.
Families of the victims have called on human rights organizations to intervene urgently to protect them from what they described as systematic attacks by Russian forces against Sudanese civilians inside the CAR. They stressed that these assaults are based on suspicions and tribal affiliations, warning that the lives of hundreds of herders and farmers are at risk.
The Russian escalation has also disrupted commercial activities. Traders from Um Dokhon confirmed that the closure of border routes has brought near-total paralysis to trade between Darfur and the Central African Republic, worsening the living crisis in the region amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
At the same time, informed sources reported that residents of Rahid El-Birdi and Um Dokhon are preparing for potential armed confrontation with the Kara tribe in the CAR, accusing its members of inciting Russian attacks against Sudanese. This raises fears of an imminent tribal conflict fueled by escalating tensions.
Observers warn that the continued Russian presence and border tensions are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and risk expanding the conflict further, especially in the absence of political solutions or international intervention to guarantee civilian protection and border stability.
