Discover the harrowing story of Mohamed Osman, an accountant forced to take up arms for the first time in his life to protect his community amidst the intensifying conflict in Sudan. As racial tensions rise between Arabs and other groups in the volatile Darfur region, Osman’s neighborhood in El Geneina has become a target for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militiamen, commonly known as the Janjaweed. This article delves into the dire situation in Darfur and sheds light on the reasons behind Osman’s drastic decision to fight
El Geneina, historically known as a symbol of black African power in Darfur, has fallen victim to the destructive acts of the Janjaweed and RSF, resulting in widespread devastation. Burnt, shelled, and looted, this once vibrant city has become a battleground marred by violence and suffering. Mohamed Osman, 38, an accountant living in El Geneina, speaks out about the horrors he has witnessed, emphasizing the urgent need for attention and resolution. To protect his family and neighborhood, Osman courageously takes up arms, reflecting the gravity of the conflict’s impact on the lives of ordinary people.
El Geneina, with a population of approximately 170,000, stands as the traditional capital of the Massalit kingdom, making it a prime target for the Janjaweed’s ethnic cleansing campaigns against non-Arab groups in Darfur. In the wake of this violence, the African population, starting with the Massalit, has faced relentless attacks. The escalating conflict began in 2003 when marginalized non-Arab communities rose against the government, seeking an end to discrimination and neglect.
The government responded by mobilizing the Janjaweed, eventually integrating them into a powerful paramilitary force estimated to be between 80,000 to 100,000 strong. However, the Janjaweed’s loyalty has now shifted, as they turn against Sudan’s military ruler, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his army. This unforeseen development has added a new layer of complexity to an already dire situation. While the military attempts to regain control of the capital, Khartoum, El Geneina remains defenseless against the RSF and Janjaweed.
El Geneina, devoid of any significant presence of the army or government bodies tasked with protecting civilians, is left exposed to ongoing violence and displacement. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), approximately 100,000 people have been displaced, living in constant fear and without access to essential aid. The situation has grown even more dire as water supplies have been cut off, exacerbating the already alarming humanitarian crisis in the region.
With the city under attack for 23 consecutive days, El Geneina’s residents are left grappling with unimaginable hardships. The lack of medical treatment has resulted in countless injured individuals facing dire consequences. Families are compelled to separate for their safety, with children suffering the traumatic effects of incessant gunfire. Faced with the deteriorating security crisis, Mohamed Osman contemplates the possibility of fleeing to makeshift camps in Chad, where he hopes to find a semblance of safety.
As El Geneina succumbs to the control of the RSF and Janjaweed, the streets become infested with snipers and gunmen, leaving the populace vulnerable to violence at every turn. Recent reports from medics indicate a devastating toll, with at least 280 deaths and 160 injuries in El Geneina in the past few days alone. This surge in violence violates the Saudi-broker
