Are Sudan's Paramilitaries Committing Crimes Against Humanity in Key City Siege?

Recent findings from a UN Fact-Finding Mission highlight serious allegations against Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claiming they have committed extensive crimes against humanity during their ongoing siege of el-Fasher in Darfur. The report details acts of murder, torture, and sexual violence, among other atrocities, prompting urgent calls for international intervention.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The RSF is accused of committing crimes against humanity in el-Fasher, including murder and torture.
• Both the RSF and the Sudanese army reportedly target civilians, employing strategies that amount to war crimes.
• The situation in Darfur has led to tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
• The US has imposed sanctions on Sudan's army chief, linking him to civilian deaths and starvation tactics.
• The UN calls for an arms embargo and independent judicial processes to address the atrocities.

Understanding the Context: The Conflict in Sudan

The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, is primarily a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, a paramilitary group with a notorious history. This conflict has roots in longstanding ethnic tensions and political instability. The RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militias that were implicated in the Darfur genocide earlier in the 2000s, targeting non-Arab populations.

UN Findings: Allegations Against the RSF

The UN’s report, titled "A War of Atrocities," outlines a series of alleged human rights violations by the RSF. It states that the group has systematically targeted civilians through various brutal tactics. Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, emphasised that these acts are not incidental but rather strategic approaches designed to instil fear and exert control over the population.

Details of Alleged Crimes

Among the reported atrocities are:

• Murder and Extrajudicial Killings: The RSF has allegedly conducted summary executions of civilians, particularly targeting individuals based on their ethnic or political affiliations.
• Torture and Inhumane Treatment: Reports suggest that detainees are subjected to severe torture and inhumane conditions, including deprivation of basic necessities.
• Sexual Violence: The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war has been highlighted, with instances of rape and sexual slavery reported.
• Forced Displacement: The RSF's actions have contributed to the mass displacement of populations, forcing them to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.
• Starvation as Warfare: The report alleges that the RSF has employed starvation as a means to achieve their military goals, which could amount to acts of extermination.

The Situation in El-Fasher

El-Fasher has been under siege for over a year, marking it as one of the last strongholds for the Sudanese army in Darfur. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, with famine conditions reported in local camps. The Zamzam camp, for instance, had already been declared famine-stricken before the RSF's recent offensive.

International Response and Accusations

The United States has taken a firm stance against the RSF, accusing them of committing genocide against non-Arab populations in Darfur. Sanctions have been implemented against General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief, due to accusations of complicity in civilian deaths and the use of starvation as a tactic of war.

Evidence of War Crimes

Recent research conducted by Yale University has provided further insight into the situation. By analysing satellite images, researchers found that the RSF has constructed extensive raised banks around el-Fasher, suggesting a deliberate strategy to confine civilians and restrict their movement. This tactic aligns with the broader allegations of systematic brutality against the civilian population.

Call for Action

The UN's report calls on the international community to enforce an arms embargo against the warring factions and to establish an independent judicial process aimed at holding war criminals accountable. The urgency of this call is underscored by the staggering human cost of the conflict, with over 13 million people displaced and tens of thousands reportedly killed.

What Happens Next?

As the conflict continues to evolve, the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains critical. International bodies are faced with the challenge of addressing these egregious allegations while navigating the complexities of Sudan's internal politics. The potential for further escalation of violence looms, particularly if the RSF continues its aggressive tactics in el-Fasher and beyond.

In light of the ongoing atrocities, the international community must prioritise humanitarian assistance, support for displaced populations, and efforts to document and investigate the reported crimes. The future of Sudan hinges on not only ending the violence but also ensuring accountability for those responsible for these horrific acts.

FAQs

What are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?

The RSF is a paramilitary group in Sudan, formed from the Janjaweed militias. It has been involved in various conflicts and is known for its brutal tactics, particularly during the Darfur genocide.

What crimes has the RSF been accused of?

The RSF has been accused of numerous crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement, particularly against civilians in Darfur.

What is the situation in el-Fasher?

El-Fasher has been under siege for over a year, facing severe humanitarian crises, including famine conditions in local camps, exacerbated by the RSF's military actions.

What has the international community done in response to the conflict?

The international community, particularly the US, has imposed sanctions on Sudanese military leaders and called for an arms embargo and independent investigations into the alleged war crimes.

How many people have been affected by the conflict?

Over 13 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with tens of thousands reported dead since the civil war began in April 2023.

As the situation in Sudan continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about accountability, the protection of civilians, and the role of international actors in mitigating human rights abuses. The plight of the Darfur population remains urgent, calling for a collective response to prevent further atrocities. #SudanConflict #HumanRights #DarfurAtrocities