Sudan’s military chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has announced the army’s withdrawal from el-Fasher, its last stronghold in the west, after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared control of the city. In a televised address, Burhan attributed the decision to the “systematic destruction and killing of civilians,” stating that he agreed with local leaders on the necessity of relocating to safeguard citizens and prevent further destruction.
The United Nations has voiced concerns regarding recent reports of atrocities allegedly committed by the RSF and has called for safe passage for trapped civilians. The RSF has denied these accusations, asserting it has not harmed civilians. The loss of el-Fasher could represent a pivotal moment in Sudan’s civil war, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 12 million individuals since April 2023. Currently, the RSF controls the Darfur region, while the army remains concentrated in northern, eastern, and central Sudan.
The RSF has encircled el-Fasher for 18 months, contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis in the city. Following its declaration of control on Sunday, the RSF has faced accusations of committing severe atrocities. Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab has reported satellite imagery that indicates potential mass killings, with clusters of bodies near RSF vehicles suggesting that civilians may have been executed while attempting to flee.
The Joint Force, comprising armed groups from Darfur allied with the military, claims that 2,000 civilians have died since the fall of the city; however, this figure lacks independent verification. Aid organizations have expressed fears of a massacre targeting non-Arab ethnic groups. While the RSF denies any intent to target these groups, the UN and various human rights organizations have cited evidence of war crimes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concerns about the situation, condemning reported violations of international humanitarian law. In his address, Burhan criticized the international community’s inaction regarding these violations, pledging to reassert control over the affected territories.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyld9w0283o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss