The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Central Darfur Sector has vowed to ensure there is security and promised to restore delivery of basic services to citizens in Zalingei Town in Sudan’s Central Darfur State.
Addressing a public rally on Sunday at Al Ahli Square in Zalingei after taking control of the town last Tuesday, the RSF commander in the state, Major General Ali Yaqoub, said the RSF leadership is determined to secure the city and to restore delivery of basic services, especially drinking water, electricity, telephone communication networks.
Gen. Yaqoub who is assigned to manage the RSF command in Zalingei also swore to facilitate the return of the displaced people who fled the town and called for the launching of a community outreach program to help people return to their homes.
“The RSF has a plan to protect the agricultural season while working to return the police forces to service,” he said.
Some of the Zalingei citizens interviewed by Radio Tamazuj interviewed said they received the RSF commander’s statement with cautious optimism.
According to Juma Suleiman, the RSF commander said good words and the people are waiting for the pledges to be implemented and actualized. He pointed out that the region experienced complete chaos in the recent past and that citizens are now in dire need of security.
Another Zalingei resident, Mohammed Sharaf, said he doubted the RSF’s capacity to fully implement their promises.
“There are difficulties in ensuring security and stability which requires great efforts and discipline throughout the city and its vital facilities,” he stated. “A lot of work has to be done for this to be reflected in the situation of the displaced persons.”