Sudan’s RSF committing war crimes in Darfur, says Amnesty

Key Concepts:

• Al Fasher encirclement and assault
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• Possible war crimes and crimes against humanity
• Sexual violence against women and girls
• Systematic RSF campaign
• Displaced civilians
• Executions of men and the elderly
• Ransom demands and filmed executions
• Barbaric violence and suffering
• International community's failure to intervene

Al Fasher Encirclement and Systematic Assault

On October 26th, with over a quarter million civilians still within the city, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) encircled Al Fasher. What followed, according to survivors, was a systematic assault targeting men, women, and children attempting to flee. Amnesty International describes these events as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, with every survivor being either a witness to or a victim of this brutality.

Survivors' Accounts of Sexual Violence and Brutality

Survivors have detailed instances of sexual violence against women and girls, highlighting the horrific and often casual brutality exhibited by RSF fighters, who Amnesty states are backed by the UAE.

• Idasam's Testimony: Idasam recounted fleeing her home with her five children, heading west towards Golo. Their group was stopped by three armed men. One of the men forced Idasam to accompany him, cut her robe, and raped her. After the attackers left, her 14-year-old daughter approached her. Idasam discovered her daughter's clothes were bloodied and torn, and her hair was covered in dust. The Amnesty report indicates that Idasam's daughter remained silent for hours, only speaking when she saw her mother crying. She confessed to her mother, "Mom, they raped me, too, but do not tell anyone." Tragically, her daughter fell severely ill after the rape, and her health deteriorated further upon reaching Tila, where she ultimately died at the clinic. Her final days were marked by fear and the violence she endured.

Systematic RSF Campaign and Atrocities

The Amnesty report documents a deliberate campaign by the RSF involving:

• Ambushes of Displaced Civilians: The RSF targeted civilians attempting to escape.
• Separation of Women and Girls: Women and girls were separated from others for the purpose of mass rape.
• Execution of Men and the Elderly: Men and elderly individuals were executed.
• Killing of Animals: Even donkeys pulling carts were shot.
• Taking Prisoners for Ransom: Fighters captured individuals and demanded ransom.
• Filming Executions: Executions were reportedly filmed.
• Enjoyment of Violence: Survivors described RSF fighters taking pleasure in the violence, with dozens killed at a time.
• Uncollected Bodies: Hundreds of bodies were left in the streets and along roads leading out of Al Fasher.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Neighboring Towns

Aid groups operating in towns like Tawila and Corma report a worsening situation. They describe the stories they are hearing as "barbaric" and "absolutely horrific."

• Whip Marks and Broken Ribs: One woman met by aid workers bore the mark of a whip across her face and was nursing what were likely broken ribs. She explained that she was run down by a car while fleeing the city with a baby strapped to her back, an incident that caused her injuries and severely injured her child.

Displacement and International Community's Failure

The United Nations reports that over 100,000 people have fled Al Fasher and its surrounding areas. Many remain missing, presumed to be trapped behind RSF lines. The increasing number of survivor accounts exposes the barbarism of Sudan's conflict and highlights the international community's failure to intervene and stop the violence.

Conclusion

The events in Al Fasher, as detailed by survivors and documented by Amnesty International, represent a grave escalation of violence and potential war crimes. The systematic nature of the RSF's assault, including sexual violence, executions, and the targeting of civilians, underscores the urgent need for international accountability and intervention. The ongoing displacement and suffering of the population in Sudan, coupled with the perceived inaction of the global community, are critical takeaways from this report.