In brief
A new Amnesty International investigation claims Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) committed crimes against humanity amidst an 18‑month siege of el‑Fashing in western Sudan. The report cites over 200 survivor accounts describing systematic killings, ethnic targeting of the Zaghawa people, widespread rape and child abductions. The RSF denies the allegations, but the UN has already warned of genocide‑level violence in the region. International actors demand a ceasefire and accountability for those who orchestrated the atrocities.
A recent Amnesty International report outlines a series of war crimes carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their 18‑month siege of the town of el‑Fashing in western Sudan. The findings are based on more than 200 survivor testimonies and open‑source evidence, highlighting systematic murder, ethnic targeting and sexual violence.
Key Allegations
- RSF fighters targeted the predominantly Zaghawa population, labeling them with dehumanising slurs and carrying out mass killings.
- Thousands of civilians were detained, tortured, raped and subjected to sexual slavery.
- Children were not spared; many were deliberately singled out, killed, injured or forcibly recruited.
- Satellite imagery and video evidence indicate systematic burning of homes and villages.
Survivor Accounts
One 17‑year‑old victim later recounted being seized with a camel and shot in the leg, while eight of his cousins were killed in the same assault. He now walks with crutches and calls the RSF’s actions “a stain on humanity.”
A senior Amnesty official, secretary‑general Agnès Callamard, warned that the evidence could constitute genocide and urged an immediate ceasefire coupled with an international protection force.
International Context
The UN has already flagged el‑Fashing as bearing the hallmarks of genocide, reporting over 6,000 deaths in three days of the assault and describing sexual violence as a weapon of war. More than 14 million people have been displaced across Sudan, while 28 million face acute hunger.
The RSF acknowledges some wrongdoing but claims the extent of the atrocities is exaggerated. Nonetheless, Amnesty says it has identified RSF commanders who should answer for violations of international law.
Full Amnesty report – Details of the 200 survivor testimonies.
