Sudanese survivors of el-Fasher siege tell the BBC about RSF brutality | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Alfasir: A city in Sudan that has been under siege and is the site of reported mass killings.
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group accused of committing mass murder in Alfasir.
• Sudan Army's last outpost: The final military position of the Sudanese Army in the west of the country, which fell to the RSF.
• Tawila: A town where civilians who fled Alfasir have sought refuge.
• Atrocities: Acts of extreme cruelty and violence, specifically mass killings and beatings reported in Alfasir.
• Humanitarian aid: Assistance provided to people in need, which is a concern for aid agencies due to the low number of refugees reaching safety.

Alfasir Under Siege and Reported Mass Killings

The BBC has received testimony from civilians who have escaped the city of Alfasir, located in Sudan. Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed by the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF had maintained a siege on Alfasir for months. Following the capture of the Sudan Army's last outpost in the west of the country, the RSF is accused of committing mass murder.

Civilian Escape and Experiences

Some civilians managed to escape Alfasir and reach the town of Tawila. Barbara Plat Usher's report includes images of individuals who sustained serious gunshot wounds, highlighting the severe violence they endured. These individuals experienced days of terror while traveling a dangerous route to flee the city, which was under attack.

Among the thousands who fled as the RSF seized Alfasir amidst chaos and violence, some walked nearly 50 miles. Upon reaching a checkpoint, they were able to get rides to a camp in Tawila. Some arrived with significant injuries. Men were often targeted by the RSF, who suspected them of belonging to the army.

Aden Hassan described his escape as a "miracle," stating, "We were divided into groups and beaten. The scenes were extremely brutal. We saw people executed in front of us. We saw people being beaten. It was really terrible. We went without food or water for 3 days while walking in the streets."

Ahmed Osman Ibrahim recounted being shot three times while fleeing Alfasir. He said, "There were seven of us who left together. The four of them, they killed them. They beat them and killed them."

Significance of Alfasir's Fall and World Attention

The fall of Alfasir is considered a major victory for the paramilitary RSF and a turning point in Sudan's civil war. However, the evidence of atrocities has drawn significant international attention. RSF fighters have posted videos that appear to show mass killings of unarmed individuals. While the group has acknowledged some violations, they have also released footage claiming it is to assist those fleeing Alfasir.

Humanitarian Concerns and Refugee Numbers

Aid agencies are concerned about the low number of people who have successfully reached safety in Tawila. It is estimated that Alfasir had a population of approximately a quarter of a million people. However, in the past few days, only about 5,000 people have reached Tawila. This low number suggests that many individuals are unable to reach humanitarian aid and are likely still trapped either within Alfasir or on the journey.

Conclusion

While Tawila offers a sanctuary, the refugees there do not feel safe. The situation in Alfasir highlights the severe human cost of the conflict, with widespread reports of violence, mass killings, and a dire humanitarian situation for those attempting to escape.