A recent United Nations report has unveiled chilling evidence of genocidal actions committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their siege of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The findings, stemming from a comprehensive investigation into the RSF’s 18-month occupation, suggest a systematic campaign targeting the Zaghawa and Fur ethnic groups, raising alarm over potential war crimes in the region.
Systematic Atrocities Uncovered
The UN-mandated fact-finding mission, which concluded its investigation in February 2026, detailed the harrowing experiences of the residents of El Fasher. The report indicates that the RSF implemented brutal tactics, leading to the physical destruction of entire communities. Mohamed Chande Othman, the mission’s chair, remarked, “The scale, coordination, and public endorsement of the operation by senior RSF leadership demonstrate that the crimes committed in and around El Fasher were not random excesses of war.”
The report’s timing is critical, coming just after the UK, Canada, and the European Union condemned the ongoing violence in Sudan and highlighted the likelihood of war crimes being committed during this protracted conflict.
Escalating Violence Across Sudan
The situation in Sudan has deteriorated sharply since the outbreak of hostilities between the RSF and the Sudanese army in April 2023. This conflict emerged following a breakdown in relations between RSF leader Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, both of whom rose to power after the 2019 revolution that ousted long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir.
As violence escalates, the humanitarian situation worsens. The UN has reported that over 11 million people have been displaced, with tens of thousands killed, leading to what the organisation describes as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The recent wave of drone strikes has further exacerbated the crisis, with reports indicating that at least 15 children lost their lives in one attack on a displacement camp in West Kordofan.
Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War
One of the most distressing aspects of the UN report is the extensive documentation of sexual violence perpetrated by RSF fighters. Testimonies from survivors reveal horrific incidents of rape and assault, often occurring in the presence of family members. The report highlights a particularly harrowing case: a 12-year-old girl was raped by three RSF fighters while her mother watched, moments after her father was killed attempting to protect her. Such acts of violence were frequently reported in locations that had also witnessed mass killings, amplifying the trauma experienced by survivors and their communities.
The mission conducted interviews with over 320 witnesses and victims, corroborating their accounts with video evidence and other documentation. The systematic nature of these assaults has led investigators to conclude that the RSF acted with “genocidal intent.”
International Response and Sanctions
In light of these findings, the United States has responded by imposing sanctions on three RSF commanders implicated in the siege of El Fasher. The US Treasury Department’s statement condemned the RSF for perpetrating “ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence” during their operations.
The urgency for international actors to respond decisively to these atrocities cannot be overstated. As the conflict shifts focus from Darfur to Kordofan, accountability for the perpetrators is paramount to prevent further violence and suffering.
Why it Matters
The situation in Sudan is not merely a regional concern; it poses a significant challenge to international stability and humanitarian principles. The UN’s findings on the RSF’s genocidal actions underscore the need for immediate global intervention and support for the affected populations. As the world grapples with an escalating humanitarian crisis, the call for accountability and justice becomes ever more urgent, highlighting the critical role of international governance in protecting vulnerable communities from the ravages of war.