Recent reports have highlighted severe human rights violations in el-Fasher, a city in Sudan’s Darfur region, following an increase in violence attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicated it is investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity by these paramilitary groups amid claims of mass killings that may have resulted in over 2,000 fatalities in September alone.
The RSF had been laying siege to el-Fasher for nearly two years. Recent reports indicate that they constructed a significant sand berm around the city to block access, culminating in a total blockade by early October. Humanitarian conditions worsened significantly as a result, with increasing evidence of deliberate attacks on civilians, including a mosque and a displacement camp, resulting in numerous casualties.
Videos allegedly depicting RSF members celebrating their actions and boasting about their conduct have surfaced, including footage showing scenes of brutal executions. Eyewitnesses recounted incidents of summary executions of unarmed individuals and the capture of civilians trying to deliver supplies to the besieged population. Reports suggest that RSF fighters may have filmed these acts for propaganda purposes, with one commander explicitly stating that their role was solely to kill.
Following the violence, RSF leadership acknowledged some violations and stated they would investigate further. Some individuals within their ranks, including a commander known as Abu Lulu, have reportedly been detained. However, satellite imagery has raised concerns that the RSF might be attempting to cover up evidence of mass graves and other atrocities.
Despite efforts to reshape the narrative through social media campaigns showing aid distribution, indignation over the RSF’s actions has grown globally. The RSF did not respond to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8dr5e30m5ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss