UN warns of potential war crimes by Sudan's RSF in El-Fasher

The UN human rights office issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that the atrocities perpetrated by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the El-Fasher and Bara regions could constitute multiple crimes under international law. Spokesperson Seif Magango reported that following the RSF's major incursion into the city on October 23, the UN has gathered horrific accounts of summary executions, mass killings, rapes, and looting.

Emerging Horrors in El-Fasher

The office estimates that the number of civilians and others killed during the RSF's assault on El-Fasher could reach into the hundreds. Among the specific incidents cited are the killing of patients inside the Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital and the gang-rape of at least 25 women at a shelter near El-Fasher University. These actions paint a grim picture of the situation on the ground in Sudan.

Humanitarian Workers Targeted

The violence has also directly targeted aid and medical personnel. According to the UN, at least two local humanitarian responders were killed and three doctors are currently detained by the RSF. In the town of Bara, serious violations were reported, including the alleged summary execution of five volunteers from the Red Crescent, severely hampering critical relief efforts.

Calls for Accountability and Action

Magango emphasized that these severe violations potentially amount to numerous international crimes, calling for independent and thorough investigations. UN human rights chief Volker Turk reiterated his call for states with influence, a group in which Türkiye plays a significant regional role, to act urgently to end the violence, halt arms flows, and ensure civilian protection in Sudan.