In October, Sudanese paramilitary forces carried out a brutal campaign against non-Arab communities in the Darfur region, particularly targeting the Zaghawa and Fur groups. U.N. human rights experts reported that this violence exhibits characteristics of genocide. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of el-Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in Darfur, following an 18-month siege that left many non-Arab residents vulnerable.
Thousands of civilians tragically lost their lives during the RSF’s takeover. They undertook mass killings and other horrific acts, with reports estimating that over 40,000 people have died since the conflict began in April 2023. Aid organizations believe this number may be significantly higher. While el-Fasher had about 260,000 residents, only 40% managed to escape the violence. Many left injured and traumatized, while the fate of countless others remains unknown.
The war in Sudan initially erupted due to tensions between military and paramilitary leaders. These tensions spread rapidly, engulfing not just the capital city of Khartoum but other regions, including Darfur. According to the U.N., the RSF’s actions in el-Fasher were characterized by mass killings and violations such as sexual violence and abductions for ransom.
Experts assert that at least three of the five criteria for genocide were met during these atrocities. The criteria, laid out in the 1948 Genocide Convention, include killing group members and deliberately inflicting conditions that threaten the group’s existence. Increasing evidence suggests a methodical approach to these attacks, with residents recounting explicit threats aimed at the Zaghawa community during the violence.
Mohamed Chande Othman, head of the fact-finding team, emphasized that the RSF’s actions were not random acts of war. Instead, they reflected a deliberate and organized effort to target specific groups. Reports indicate that the community faced severe exhaustion and malnutrition, making it nearly impossible to escape the violence that ensued.
Moreover, the team documented various disturbing incidents, including merciless killings and sexual violence, often targeting women and girls from specific ethnic groups. Mona Rishmawi, a member of the fact-finding team, highlighted how restricting food, water, and medical aid significantly weakened the local population. This systematic deprivation is viewed as a tactic to destroy communities.
Calls for accountability echo loudly as the international community grapples with this tragedy. The Human Rights Council urges that immediate measures be taken to protect civilians amid the ongoing conflict. Various accusations have arisen regarding external support for the RSF, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which they deny. This situation draws stark parallels to earlier conflicts in Darfur, where similar atrocities led to massive loss of life and displacement, creating lasting scars on the region.
As this harrowing crisis unfolds, experts continue to stress the need for intervention and accountability to prevent further loss of life and to support those who remain trapped in the crossfire. The urgency of the situation demands global attention, as failure to act may mean repeating the grim chapters of the past.
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General news, Genocide, United Nations, Sudan, War and unrest, Homicide, Sexual assault, United Arab Emirates, Blockades, Geneva, Mohamed Chande Othman, Yvette Cooper, Violence, World news, Khartoum, Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, Torture, Mona Rishmawi
