Road Condition Report: The Condition of the Road from South Darfur State to Central Darfur State

IntroductionThis report aims to assess the condition of the road linking Nyala city (South Darfur State) and Nyrtiti city (Central Darfur State). It focuses on the flow of traffic, trade, and the movement of citizens, while also monitoring the obstacles they face.

Military ControlThe distance between Nyala and Zalingei, the capitals of South Darfur and Central Darfur States, is approximately 214 kilometers. Both cities are controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), led by Abdel-Wahid Mohamed Nur, controls the Jebel Marra area, located 63 kilometers from Zalingei. The road connecting the two cities passes through Nyrtiti.

Zalingei – Nyrtiti Road Traveler's s moving from Zalingei to Nyrtiti encounter approximately 13 checkpoints along the road. These are manned by RSF personnel who collect fees from vehicle owners, particularly those transporting commercial goods. According to local observers, the fees are justified as being for “protection.”

Nyala – Nyrtiti RoadThe distance between Nyala and Nyrtiti is about 151 kilometers, which can normally be covered in two hours and fifteen minutes by vehicle. Despite being paved and relatively short, travel has become increasingly difficult for passengers and traders due to the large number of checkpoints controlled by the RSF.

Between Nyala and Nyrtiti, there are 36 checkpoints: 33 controlled by the RSF and 3 controlled by the SLM/A (Abdel-Wahid faction) in areas under its authority, starting from Tor Al-Khadraa. This equates to roughly one checkpoint every four kilometers.

Checkpoint ProceduresAt most checkpoints, presenting a national identification card is a key requirement. Travelers without an ID card, or those carrying IDs issued in North or East Sudan, are often subjected to questioning or suspicion. Security personnel also conduct thorough searches of smartphones, inspecting applications and social media activity. In some cases, travelers are classified or accused based on their digital content.

In SLM/A-controlled areas, inspections are generally lighter. However, travelers heading toward Jebel Marra undergo stricter checks, especially women, who are often searched to prevent the transport of banned whitening creams.

Transit FeesAll vehicles passing through the checkpoints are required to pay a transit fee of 1,000 SDG. In addition, cargo owners are charged varying amounts at three specific checkpoints, calculated according to the size and type of goods.

Ticket PricesThe cost of travel tickets has increased significantly, largely due to the numerous transit fees imposed on drivers and the rising cost of fuel.

• A ticket from Zalingei to Nyala ranges between 40,000 and 45,000 SDG per passenger.

• A ticket from Zalingei to Nyrtiti ranges between 20,000 and 25,000 SDG per passenger.

Date of Report: September 24, 2025