Exclusive Investigation: How the RSF is Operating Nyala Airport in South Darfur

Nyala, South Darfur – Residents near Nyala International Airport still recall the terror when cargo planes began landing at the facility under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control. What began as mysterious nighttime flights has evolved into a full-scale military operation with significant regional implications.

The Night Flights Begin

Hussein, a resident of Majok East neighborhood, described the September 21 incident to Darfur 24: “We lay on the ground expecting bombs when we heard the plane. But instead of attacks, it landed at the airport.” This marked the beginning of a new phase in RSF’s control of the strategic facility.

Airport Operations Under RSF Control

Darfur 24’s investigation verified:

• 130 cargo plane landings between September 21 and March 14
• Initial flights lasted 40-60 minutes, now extending to 4 hours
• Use of former airport employees to restore operations
• Installation of advanced jamming and anti-aircraft systems

Multiple Uses of the Airport

The facility serves several purposes for RSF:

1. Military logistics hub: Transporting weapons and drones
2. Gold smuggling route: For resources from Singu and Radom mines
3. Political transit point: For delegations forming parallel government
4. Troop movements: Including returning soldiers from Saudi Arabia

Military Fortification and Civilian Impact

The RSF has transformed Nyala Airport into a fortified military zone:

• New anti-aircraft missile installations around the city
• Construction of three new buildings within the facility
• Checkpoints preventing civilian access
• Jamming systems redirecting bombs to nearby neighborhoods

This militarization has forced thousands of civilians to flee, with Darfur 24 documenting 26 airstrikes since January causing hundreds of civilian casualties.

Strategic Importance

Nyala Airport’s operation gives RSF:

• The only functional airport in Darfur under their control
• A potential base for future air operations
• Critical logistics capability in the conflict

With the Sudan Foundation Alliance selecting Nyala as their parallel government’s capital, the airport’s role will likely expand further.

This report is based on original investigative journalism by Darfur 24. For the complete investigation with additional sources and context, visit the original article.