“Kombo Tayba”: A Story with More than One Side

Report by Tariq Othman

The violent events that occurred in Kombo Khamsa, also known as Kombo Tayba, have sparked widespread outrage across various circles, overshadowing the joy of successive victories by the Sudanese Armed Forces in Al-Jazeera State, including reclaiming control of Wad Madani, the state’s capital. In an effort to uncover the truth behind what happened in Kombo Tayba and the subsequent measures to stabilize the area in Umm Al-Qura locality, Al-Sudani visited the site to present the facts as they are, without exaggeration or omission.

The Beginning

The story began in July when a force from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the village of Al-Maghariba, near Umm Al-Qura in eastern Al-Jazeera State. The attack, which sparked clashes with villagers, left two locals dead. The attack was launched from the RSF’s base in Kombo Khamsa (Kombo Tayba), located about two kilometers from Al-Maghariba. At the time, villagers from Al-Maghariba accused residents of Kombo, who were allegedly fighting with the RSF, of carrying out the attack.

Months passed, and when the commander of Sudan Shield Forces, Abu Aqila Kikil, announced his defection from the RSF and his allegiance to the army, young men from Al-Maghariba joined his forces as mobilized fighters.

As attention focused on the liberation of Wad Madani, and with all forces occupied with the operations around the capital of Al-Jazeera State, some individuals took the opportunity to settle old scores. This led to the tragic events of Friday, January 10, which reportedly left around 13 people dead, according to residents of Kombo Khamsa (Tayba). Homes were also set on fire, and properties were looted.

Army Intervention

Following the incident, the General Command of the Sudanese Armed Forces immediately condemned the events. The Chairman of the Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces established a committee to investigate the events in Kombo Tayba, headed by Assistant Attorney General Yasser Al-Bukhari.

On the ground, the military deployed reinforcements from the Fao Command to prevent further violence, stationing permanent forces in the area until life returns to normal.

Major General Amir Youssef, Commander of the Fao Command, confirmed in a press statement that the security situation in Kombo Tayba and the neighboring village of Al-Maghariba has fully stabilized. He noted that the Fao Command quickly sent forces to separate the conflicting parties and secure the area, ensuring calm among residents. Youssef emphasized that the region has enjoyed peaceful coexistence among its villages and camps for decades and dismissed exaggerated reports portraying the incidents as civilian massacres.

Background of the Events

Mohammed Hassan Ali Ibrahim, the chief of Kombo Khamsa (Tayba), stated that the incidents did not begin last week. He explained:
“When the RSF controlled the area, some of our rogue youth joined their ranks to loot and steal from others. The RSF forces carried out extensive looting and killings in the surrounding villages.”

Chief Hassan added that in July, RSF forces on 17 motorbikes entered Al-Maghariba and clashed with locals, resulting in two deaths from each side. Following the incident, residents of Al-Maghariba accused Kombo residents of collaborating with the RSF. While tensions flared, local tribal leaders intervened to contain the situation.

However, after the liberation of Umm Al-Qura, armed groups attacked the Kombo in vehicles marked with “Sudan Shield Forces.” Most of those involved were locals known by name. On one day alone, 17 residents of the Kombo were killed, in addition to seven fatalities in earlier clashes.

Chief Hassan confirmed that the situation has since calmed following military reinforcements. He welcomed the decision by the army’s commander to form an investigation committee and stated that they have prepared a comprehensive report documenting all losses and damages.

Difficult Days under the RSF

Doma Adam Yaqoub, a resident of Kombo Tayba, recounted the events of Friday, January 10:
“A large force, wearing various military uniforms, attacked us early in the morning. They killed around 13 residents, burned homes, and looted crops and livestock. The attacking force was massive.”

Yaqoub added:
“When the attack occurred, there were no Sudanese Armed Forces present in the area. However, after the army’s arrival, led by an officer and establishing a presence in the area, people felt reassured.”

He further explained that during the RSF’s control of Umm Al-Qura, Kombo residents endured harsh conditions, living under virtual siege. The RSF forces restricted movement, fired heavily to intimidate residents, and looted everything in sight.

Source: Al-Sudani