Investigating Al Fashir's 'killing fields' in Sudan

Key Concepts:

• Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• Al Fasir (city in Darfur)
• Sudan War Monitor
• Lighthouse Reports
• Ethnic targeting
• Displacement centers
• Ransom
• Execution
• Satellite imagery
• Humanitarian aid
• Darfur

Investigation into RSF Atrocities in Al Fasir

This investigation, conducted by Sudan War Monitor and Lighthouse Reports, reveals that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) systematically targeted civilians fleeing Al Fasir, while the military's top brass secured their own escape. Tens of thousands of people are reported to have fled the city, with over 60,000 still unaccounted for and feared dead in "killing fields" outside Al Fasir.

Targeting and Executions of Civilians

Survivors recount horrific experiences during their escape. Many were asked about their ethnicity, with some being killed based on their tribal affiliation. Belongings were confiscated, and individuals were executed in front of others. One survivor stated, "They chose people and executed them in front of us. They kill them in front of you and say, 'Bury your brother and we just have to pour soil on them.'" The killings were explicitly based on ethnicity, with perpetrators asking about tribal origins.

Capture and Ransom of Civilians

Investigations traced crowds of civilians attempting to leave Al Fasir, finding that many were captured by the RSF. Footage shows groups of men, women, and children being pursued and beaten by RSF fighters. In one instance, a group of approximately 2,000 captives, including men previously seen leaving Al Fasir, were held by RSF fighters. It is reported that only 200 of this group reached the displacement center in Tawila. Some captured men were forced to contact their families to pay ransom for their release, with those unable to pay facing execution. Videos show RSF fighters hurling racial slurs before executing captured individuals.

Mass Graves and Brutality

Further evidence of brutality includes videos showing bodies dumped in a trench, with at least one woman among the corpses. Executions were reportedly carried out live on camera. This violence follows an 18-month siege of Al Fasir by the RSF, during which the city was starved and shelled in their conflict with the army for control of Darfur.

Abandonment by Military Leadership

High-level sources indicate that top state commanders, officers, and political leaders secured their own safe passage out of Al Fasir in over 100 vehicles, including armored ones, leaving civilians and their own troops behind. A soldier left behind described being abandoned by the army commander and surrounded by RSF forces, with shelling turning on them after they were informed of the withdrawal. A civilian escapee confirmed the lack of coordination during the withdrawal, stating it appeared to be a surprise to the remaining fighters.

Response from Sudanese Armed Forces

In response to these findings, the Sudanese Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, General Abdul Fatah Al-Burhan, stated that the decision to withdraw was unanimous and that battles occurred during the retreat. He claimed soldiers were not left behind but were tasked with securing the withdrawal.

Satellite Imagery and RSF Claims

RSF drones monitored fleeing soldiers and civilians. High-resolution satellite imagery captured by Vantor shows burnt vehicles south of the siege berm, with RSF drones also identifying the site. Videos from the same location show dozens of bodies in both fatigues and civilian clothes. A top RSF commander with direct knowledge of operations claimed that at least 7,000 people were killed in Al Fasir in the first five days of its capture, with RSF fighters systematically targeting civilians from non-Arab tribes and killing 300 to 400 people at a time. This was reportedly overseen by RSF Deputy Commander Abdahim Dagalo.

Denials and Counterclaims by RSF

The spokesman for the RSF political administration, Tatis Al-Nour, acknowledged that atrocities had been committed by their fighters but dismissed the reported death toll as "total rubbish" and part of a "big fake media campaign." He also claimed that the RSF had delivered 50 trucks of humanitarian aid to Al Fasir, despite reports of volunteers and aid workers being killed by RSF fighters while attempting to deliver relief.

Humanitarian Crisis and Hostage Situation

Fears are mounting that approximately 200,000 people are being held hostage in Al Fasir, with no access to internet or phone signal, surrounded by areas turned into execution zones. Survivors in Tawila await news of loved ones, with the sparse crowds serving as a grim reminder of those who did not survive. The report concludes that the people of Darfur are paying the highest price for a war they did not initiate.