The commander, RSF Brigadier General al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, widely known as Abu Lulu, had been arrested late last year after videos circulated online showing alleged executions carried out during fighting in al-Fashir, sparking international outrage.
Nine sources told Reuters that Abu Lulu had returned to the battlefield in the Kordofan region in March. Among them were a Sudanese intelligence official and a commander from the Rapid Support Forces, both of whom said they personally saw him participating in military operations.
A Chadian military officer close to RSF leadership said commanders within the paramilitary group had pushed for Abu Lulu’s return in an attempt to boost troop morale amid intense fighting in Kordofan.
In total, Reuters said it spoke to 13 individuals who were aware of the alleged release, including RSF commanders, field officers, a relative of Abu Lulu, intelligence-linked sources and officials familiar with RSF operations.
However, the RSF-led coalition government denied the claims in a statement issued Monday.
Ahmed Tugud Lisan, spokesperson for the RSF-backed Tasis government, said Abu Lulu remained in detention and would face trial before a special court alongside others accused of violations during the al-Fashir offensive.
“The talk about Abu Lulu being released is untrue, malicious, and completely false,” the statement said. “Abu Lulu and the others accused of violations during the liberation of al-Fashir have been in detention since their arrest and have never left prison.”
