The leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has announced an investigation into alleged violations by his troops during their takeover of el-Fasher. This comes amid troubling reports of civilian killings.
Witness accounts and social media footage suggest significant violence occurred after the RSF gained control of el-Fasher, a city in Darfur. Many are concerned after reports emerged that over 400 civilians were killed at a hospital during the chaos. An RSF spokesperson has denied these accusations, claiming civilians fled and hospitals were inactive when they arrived.
The situation has drawn international attention. The UN Security Council held an emergency session as the country suffers through its civil war, now entering its third year. British Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty described the suffering in Sudan as “unconscionable,” citing targeted violence against women and ethnic groups.
Despite Hemedti’s apology and promise of an inquiry, skepticism remains. Observers note that similar assurances following previous violent incidents, like those in el-Geneina and Gezira earlier this year, went unfulfilled.
The World Health Organization expressed horror at reports that over 460 civilians—including hospitalized patients—were shot dead in el-Fasher. Satellite images corroborate these claims, showing groups of bodies on hospital grounds.
Dr. Mohamad Faisal, a spokesperson for the Sudan Doctors Network, shared firsthand accounts of the horror from his colleagues. Many patients were slaughtered while waiting for treatment. Around 250,000 people, mainly from non-Arab communities, remain trapped in el-Fasher amid ongoing violence and systematic targeting of hospitals.
Caroline Bouvard from the aid group Solidarités International reported that about 5,000 people have fled to Tawila from el-Fasher, facing abuse along the way. Activists are also pressing for international pressure on the UAE, accused of supporting the RSF militarily.
Control of el-Fasher has intensified the split within Sudan. The RSF now dominates the west, while the regular army holds the capital and eastern regions. Once allies in a 2021 coup, the RSF and army have clashed over plans for civilian governance.
The African Union has called for humanitarian aid access and accountability for those behind the violence. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas voiced deep concerns about Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, saying investigations alone won’t alleviate the suffering.
Sudan has faced ongoing turmoil since gaining independence in 1956. The need for inclusive dialogue to address the root causes of conflict is crucial as the nation grapples with its complex issues of diversity and governance.
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