A new report by Amnesty International accuses Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing serious human rights violations during the 18 month siege of El Fasher in North Darfur. The rights organization says civilians, especially children, suffered widespread violence that may amount to crimes against humanity and could also support future genocide investigations.
The report is based on testimonies from more than 200 survivors. Amnesty researchers also reviewed dozens of open source videos and analyzed satellite images to document the destruction and attacks across the region.
Children Faced Extreme Violence
According to Amnesty, children experienced some of the worst abuses during the conflict. Many lost their lives, while others were injured, abducted, raped, or forced to join armed groups.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard said children were not accidental victims. She stated that armed fighters deliberately targeted them and that the violence caused lasting suffering for countless families.
One survivor, a 17 year old boy from Abu Zerega, described how armed men captured and beat him before one attacker shot him in the leg. The injury left him dependent on crutches.
Ethnic Communities Reportedly Targeted
The report claims that many attacks focused on civilians because of their ethnic identity. Amnesty says Arab fighters linked to the RSF targeted members of non Arab communities, particularly people from the Zaghawa ethnic group.
Researchers said witnesses reported that attackers used racist insults while carrying out assaults. Amnesty believes these incidents point to a pattern of ethnically motivated violence rather than isolated acts.
The organization also noted that Arab militias associated with the RSF have a long history of attacks against Black African communities in Darfur.
Calls for International Action
Amnesty International urged the global community to act quickly to protect civilians in Sudan. The organization called for an immediate ceasefire and requested the deployment of an international force to help prevent further violence.She described the situation as a serious failure to protect innocent civilians.
RSF Responds to Allegations
Amnesty says it has identified several RSF commanders who could be responsible for violations of international law. The organization believes those responsible should face accountability through independent investigations.
The RSF leadership has admitted that some violations may have occurred. The findings add to growing international concern over the conflict in El Fasher. Last year, the United Nations said the violence in the city showed signs that were consistent with the hallmarks of genocide.
