Sudan slams RSF ‘war crimes’ in el-Fasher as survivors recount killings

A senior Sudanese diplomat accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing war crimes, including mass killings and sexual assaults, in North Darfur's el-Fasher, following the city's recent capture by RSF after an 18-month siege that resulted in thousands of civilian deaths.

The Sudanese ambassador to Egypt, Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi, alleged that the UAE supports the RSF, though the Gulf state denies these claims. He called for the classification of the RSF as a terrorist organization and condemned its role in atrocities akin to genocide.

Sudan’s Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, advocated for bringing RSF members to international courts and opposed foreign military intervention, emphasizing the country’s sovereignty amidst ongoing civil war between RSF and the Sudanese army since April 2023.

The capture of el-Fasher marked a significant escalation, with survivors reporting extensive atrocities such as mass executions, pillaging, and sexual violence; official Sudanese figures estimate at least 2,000 deaths, but eyewitness reports suggest the toll is higher, with tens of thousands still trapped in the city.

The Sudanese government is urging the international community to intervene urgently and effectively rather than merely condemn actions, asking for the designation of RSF as a terrorist group and for the UAE to be held accountable as a regional supporter.

Sudan has refused to participate in peace talks involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and the UAE as long as the UAE remains involved, citing distrust and the need for credible mediators, despite UAE’s denial of arming the RSF.

Other regional and international actors, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S., have condemned the violence and called for humanitarian aid, acknowledging collective mistakes in the country's political history that contributed to the current crisis.

Humanitarian agencies report a severe humanitarian crisis, with many residents fleeing el-Fasher experiencing extreme suffering, violence, and displacement; survivors recount fleeing under fire, witnessing dead bodies, and enduring sexual violence, with many unaccounted for due to ongoing insecurity and information blackout.

Aid groups highlight a stark lack of accessible information from el-Fasher after the RSF takeover, with estimates that up to 15,000 people remain stranded in inaccessible areas, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and safe evacuation.

The recent events underscore the ongoing violence and deepening crisis in Sudan, with the latest massacre in el-Fasher exemplifying that the conflict shows little sign of resolution, continuing to cause widespread suffering and chaos.