With the ongoing fierce conflict in Sudan between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, for the fifth consecutive month, there seems to be no imminent solution in sight. As clashes, violations, and even thefts continue in many areas, especially in Khartoum and the Darfur region, the police are notably absent.
This absence has previously and continues to spark extensive debates among Sudanese, particularly with the spread of incidents of looting and theft targeting homes and businesses.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, Fath Al-Rahman Mohamed Al-Tom, clarified that the police personnel “have no role at the moment in areas experiencing conflicts.” However, he confirmed that “once a specific area is liberated, there is a clear plan for deployment.”
Al-Tom added in statements to the Arab World News Agency that areas of conflict and wars are governed by international humanitarian law.
He explained that the police “have currently deployed strongly in the Karari locality of Khartoum State,” confirming that their personnel remained present “in all states that have not witnessed conflicts.” He stated, “Whenever an area is liberated and declared free from conflicts, we will deploy our forces and carry out our duties.”
Meanwhile, he clarified that Sudan consists of 17 states, and the police have operated in 14 of them with their full administrations, apparatus, and security roles.
He affirmed that “in conflict zones, the police are currently unable to perform their duties because access to all their centres is not possible.”
The spokesperson pointed out that the police forces headquarters was moved from Khartoum to Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea state in the eastern part of the country.