RSF Claims Sudan Army Drone Destroyed Key Darfur Bridge

June 9, 2026 (EL GENEINA) – A civil authority linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Western Darfur claimed that the Sudanese military destroyed the key Ardamata bridge through a drone attack on Tuesday.

An assault on the bridge in the state capital, El Geneina, occurred just days following another incident that damaged the Kiga bridge, an important passage linking Dilling with Kadugli in South Kordofan region.

The local authority in Western Darfur denounced the early-morning attack in a declaration, labeling it as a clear danger to people’s safety and a deliberate attack on essential regional facilities.

The Ardamata bridge serves as a key transportation route for delivering humanitarian assistance, provisions, and medical equipment from the Adre border point with Chad into the areas of Darfur and Kordofan.

Organizations within the United Nations and global humanitarian groups rely on this passage to provide critical support to numerous displaced individuals and those impacted by conflicts.

Authorities at the local level cautioned that demolishing the bridge shortly before the rainy season could significantly impede the delivery of assistance, possibly leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and disrupting activities throughout Darfur.

The government urged United Nations organizations and global human rights institutions to denounce the damage inflicted on civil structures and take action to maintain the flow of humanitarian routes.

The Sudanese military and the RSF have become more dependent on aerial combat in regions like Darfur and Kordofan, as intensified attacks have caused significant harm to essential facilities such as medical centers, educational institutions, and water treatment sites.

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Faith Leaders Intervene to Stop Xenophobic Attacks in George

Anti-immigrant demonstrations have already resulted in fatalities along the Garden Route.

Last month in Mossel Bay, many homes were set ablaze and two individuals lost their lives in an incident involving... violent xenophobic protest .

Protests in the same area have led to hundreds of migrants being affected. repatriate to Malawi and Mozambique.

Near the Garden Route city of George, located 50 kilometers from Mossel Bay, local officials worry about increasing hostility toward immigrants and fear that violent incidents may soon occur.

During Sunday night, hundreds of individuals participated in an event hosted by an organization named Qina Mhlali (strong residents) at the All Bricks community center located in Thembalethu, a neighborhood near George. The venue was filled to capacity, with many others standing outside.

During the days before the gathering, a post was shared online. Mabahambe "Go away!" the sign stated.

As a reply, the Thembalethu Pastor's Fraternal issued an open letter urging for composure and condemning aggression. "Today the Lord places a responsibility upon us: to speak and take action against xenophobia in our neighborhoods," stated the open letter.

On Friday, the chairman of the organisation, Pastor Boyce Saleni, convened a gathering with the event coordinators and Mayor Browen Johnson from George, along with representatives from the business association and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).

The decision was made to invite Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to visit George later this month to speak about the community's issues.

Unemployment is high in the Southern Cape, and residents are uneasy," Saleni said to GroundUp. "They believe they're losing their jobs while foreigners are employed and managing businesses.

"The church has clearly stated that foreigners should be safeguarded. We oppose any violence or loss of life. The legal process needs to proceed as intended," he mentioned.

Individuals who were interviewed by GroundUp stated that certain sectors within the town have been taken over by immigrants, many of whom, according to them, lack legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Two years prior, an apartment complex in downtown George collapsed During the construction phase, 34 individuals lost their lives, with at least 26 being migrants. Out of the 28 survivors, most sustained injuries, some resulting in long-term impairments. Numerous workers lacked proper authorization to be employed in South Africa and were not eligible for UIF benefits or compensation from the funds.

The community gathering held on Sunday afternoon in Thembalethu became intense. Certain individuals arrived carrying sjamboks and knobkieries, ready for confrontational behavior. A foreigner who happened to be nearby was pursued and intimidated.

The event organizers soothed the audience.

"A number of community members wished to take action right after the meeting, yet this wasn’t the intention behind the assembly," noted Bathini Malobola, a coordinator with Qina Mhlali.

"Our agreement is that we will wait until 19 June before taking any action," he said. Protest action might follow, he warned.

"The appropriate authorities have been provided with a chance to resolve our issues. We will follow the law," stated Mandlenkosi Kopana, the vice-chair of Qina Mhlali.

Nomaphuthukezi Mditshwa, a local from Thembalethu who participated in the gathering, stated that her neighbor, who started a small shop, struggled to match the competition from foreign-run stores offering cheaper products.

"we aren't engaging in conflict, yet we're stating that foreigners ought to go back to their home nations. we'll await the minister's statement," she mentioned.

Some people present stated that immigrants were dealing narcotics.

Following the meeting, a group of men, some of whom were intoxicated, separated from the others and moved towards the town area. The GroundUp photographer was advised against pursuing them. One individual held up a stick that had nails driven into it.

A SAPS representative from the Southern Cape, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, stated that authorities broke up a group that turned unruly on Sunday night. A case of public disorder was initiated, though no one was taken into custody.

"The police respect the right of citizens to protest, but any acts of violence or incitement to violence will not be tolerated," said Spies.

He mentioned that the Public Order Police had arrived and were remaining highly vigilant.

Individuals from abroad who have resided in this region for many years are thinking about going back to their homeland, yet they don't have enough money to make the trip.

"Ever since I came to South Africa, I haven't faced issues with the local community. However, things have changed recently," mentioned a Zimbabwean merchant who preferred anonymity. She noted that in the last couple of months, there has been a decrease in customers from the area.

She mentioned she planned to shut down her store earlier on Sunday, "as I am worried about what could occur."

Jose Mabunda, hailing from Mozambique, has been residing in South Africa since 2015, though he is currently thinking about going back to his homeland. He was among those affected by the structural failure in 2024.

"I'm frightened. If I had the funds, I'd depart right now. I arrived here to work and provide for my family. I'm not here to steal job opportunities from South Africans," he stated.

Mussa Duad, hailing from Malawi, expressed concerns over the uncertain situation affecting his future. "I am married to a South African woman and have a six-year-old daughter. If I decide to go away, who will look after them?" he questioned.

A person from Ghana, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, 'We accept that if we have to go back, we will.' However, 'returning home requires funds that most of us lack.'

The SANCO regional chairman, Xolisani Booi, advised citizens against taking justice into their own hands.

"None of the community members have the authority to review papers or implement immigration regulations," he stated.

He cautioned that certain people might be exploiting public dissatisfaction for political gain.

He mentioned his concern that there are groups present who are attempting to escalate this matter due to their desire for political influence.

The mayor of George, Browen Johnson, remained unavailable for comment prior to the release since he was participating in meetings in Cape Town.

© 2026 GroundUp. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: South Africa, Religion, Migration, Southern Africa

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Somali WC Ref Gets Hero's Welcome After U.S. Visa Denial

A Somali official named Omar Artan was celebrated as a hero in Mogadishu on Wednesday following his exclusion from the U.S. and subsequent removal from FIFA's refereeing roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, poised to be the first Somalian official to referee at a World Cup, came back to a welcoming crowd including numerous fans, government representatives, and individuals from Somalia's soccer scene at Aden Adde International Airport.

A respected official, who was recognized as Africa's Top Male Referee in 2025, has secured a position on FIFA's ultimate list of referees for the competition.

Nevertheless, he was not allowed to enter when he arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday because of "vetting issues" according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additional information was not shared.

FIFA later took Artan off its list of referees for the World Cup. The Somali Embassy in Kenya stated that he received a legitimate U.S. visa prior to his travel to meet other officials at their World Cup preparation site in Miami.

After coming back, Artan appreciated the Somali population, authorities, and FIFA for their assistance, and stated he believes his World Cup aspiration continues to be possible.

I pledge to you, with Allah's permission, that I will be present at the next event," said Artan to supporters who were holding Somali flags at the airport. "I hope the Somalian people find reassurance in this and continue to have faith.

Artan was accompanied by law enforcement officials to the airport's executive lounge, where he was received by Somalia's sport minister and various high-ranking guests prior to speaking with regional journalists.

It is our responsibility to protect the Somali identity," he stated. "Somalia is ours, regardless of whether it is in a difficult situation or a favorable one. That flag is ours, and that passport is also ours.

The choice of refusing access to a World Cup representative selected by FIFA drew global backlash and prompted certain analysts to question the U.S.'s position as co-host along with Canada and Mexico.

Several nations, including Somalia, have been impacted by the broader U.S. travel bans implemented during the tenure of former President Donald Trump.

Although he was unable to participate in the tournament, Artan's success has received significant recognition throughout Africa and further afield. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, commended the Somalian official recently, stating that his groundbreaking achievement remains valid despite the situation.

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