Sudan rights group accuses RSF of deadly attack on North Darfur village

The Sudanese human rights group Emergency Lawyers accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces Tuesday of conducting a deadly attack on the village of Mastariha in North Darfur, western Sudan. The nongovernmental organization stated in a release that RSF forces stormed the village Monday and set fire to numerous residences following drone strikes targeting multiple civilian facilities.

Attack Details and Civilian Impact

The raid was preceded by aerial attacks on several locations including a health center, market, guest facilities, and private homes, causing casualties and forcing dozens of residents to flee, according to the statement. The group characterized the assault as a "blatant violation" of international humanitarian law and human rights, noting it adds to an "ongoing record of violations in Darfur, which may constitute genocide and crimes against humanity, reflecting a systematic pattern of attacks on civilians and their property."

Legal Action and Conflict Context

Emergency Lawyers called on the International Criminal Court to investigate crimes committed in Darfur and pursue those directly responsible to ensure civilian protection. The RSF did not immediately respond to the accusations, though several members posted social media videos claiming control of Mastariha. The paramilitary group currently controls all five Darfur states in western Sudan except portions of North Darfur remaining under army control, while the military holds most other states including the capital Khartoum. Sudan's conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced approximately 13 million people, creating one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises with famine conditions, according to UN reports.