Sudan doctors accuse RSF of ethnic killings in Darfur city

Medical professionals in Sudan have documented what they describe as ethnically motivated killings by the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group in the strategic city of El-Fasher. The Sudan Doctors Network has accused the RSF of acts amounting to ethnic cleansing amid escalating violence in the Darfur region.

Allegations of Ethnic Violence

In a statement published on social media platform X, the Sudan Doctors Network detailed a "heinous massacre" committed by RSF forces against unarmed civilians. The medical group asserted that "the RSF killed unarmed civilians on ethnic grounds in what amounts to an act of ethnic cleansing," citing reports from field teams that indicated dozens killed in Sunday's violence alone.

Humanitarian and Medical Crisis

The network further reported that RSF forces have systematically looted healthcare facilities throughout El-Fasher, severely compromising medical services. They noted that accessing affected areas remains extremely challenging due to "complete security collapse caused by the RSF," creating barriers to documenting casualties and providing emergency care to survivors of the violence.

Strategic Battle for El-Fasher

The allegations emerge amid intense fighting between the RSF and Sudanese army forces in North Darfur's capital. The RSF launched a multi-front assault on El-Fasher weeks ago, surrounding the city from multiple directions in an attempt to capture this strategically important urban center that also serves as the humanitarian operations hub for the entire Darfur region.

Background of the Conflict

The battle for El-Fasher represents the latest escalation in the civil war that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF paramilitary group. The conflict has already resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions across Sudan, with the Darfur region experiencing particularly severe violence and humanitarian suffering throughout the prolonged fighting.