The leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has initiated an investigation into alleged violations by his forces during their recent takeover of el-Fasher in the Darfur region. This move follows reports of mass civilian killings after the RSF captured the city on Sunday amid ongoing civil conflict, now entering its third year, between the army and paramilitary groups.
In response to the mounting international concern regarding these reports, which include social media documentation of the alleged killings, Hemedti expressed regret for the situation impacting the civilians of el-Fasher. He acknowledged the presence of violations, stating that a committee has been dispatched to investigate the conduct of RSF troops.
Notably, a review by BBC Verify of video footage has confirmed claims that RSF soldiers executed unarmed individuals in el-Fasher. Despite these allegations, the RSF denies that the murders were driven by ethnic motives, asserting that they do not conform to a broader pattern of targeting non-Arab communities.
Reports indicate that over 460 civilians were killed at the last partially operational hospital in el-Fasher. Dr. Mohamad Faisal from the Sudan Doctors Network reported substantial casualties among inpatients and outpatients, highlighting the grave humanitarian crisis in the area, exacerbated by ongoing violence and severe malnutrition.
In recent days, approximately 5,000 individuals have fled el-Fasher, facing further violence and abuse during their escape, according to aid group representatives. Calls for international scrutiny have increased, particularly aimed at the United Arab Emirates, which has allegedly provided military support to the RSF, though these claims are denied.
El-Fasher’s capture by the RSF represents a significant shift in the balance of power in Sudan, deepening the geographic division between RSF-controlled western Sudan and the army’s hold over the capital, Khartoum. The African Union has called for humanitarian corridors to be established and for immediate investigations into the reported atrocities.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq50jg5nv45o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss