Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces launched a brutal attack in east-central Sudan, killing over 120 people in one town. The RSF, a paramilitary group, targeted the Sudanese military after suffering setbacks in the ongoing conflict that has devastated the country. The war, lasting over a year and a half, has displaced millions and led to the threat of a full-blown famine. The UN reported that the RSF went on a rampage in multiple villages and towns, shooting at civilians, sexually assaulting women and girls, and looting properties.
The attack in Gezira province displaced more than 46,500 people, according to the International Organization for Migration’s Tracking Matrix. The IOM Director General emphasized the urgent need for international efforts to stop the conflict, as millions of lives are at risk. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan condemned the atrocities, stating that women, children, and vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of the conflict. The violence in Gezira province has been compared to the horrors of the Darfur genocide in the early 2000s, characterized by rape, sexual violence, and mass killings.
The RSF, originally formed from Arab militias known as Janjaweed, has a history of committing atrocities against populations in Darfur. The group has been accused of mass killings, rapes, and other brutal acts, leading Darfur to be synonymous with genocide. The Sudanese Doctors’ Union reported at least 124 people killed and 200 wounded in the town of Sariha, calling on the UN Security Council to pressure the RSF to allow aid groups access to impacted villages. Footage shared online showed RSF fighters abusing detained individuals, highlighting the brutality of the group.
The Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces accused the RSF of storming villages, opening fire on civilians, and mistreating residents. The alliance condemned the RSF for the violations and called for accountability for those responsible. The attack on Gezira came as the military successfully reclaimed areas from the RSF, including strategic locations. The war in Sudan began in April 2023 and has since escalated, leading to numerous atrocities and crimes against humanity. The conflict has killed over 24,000 people, according to monitoring groups.
The war in Sudan has been marked by mass rape, ethnically motivated killings, and displacement of millions of people. The conflict between the military and RSF has resulted in widespread devastation and suffering, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The UN and international rights groups have condemned the atrocities in Sudan, calling for accountability and an end to the violence. As the conflict continues, the international community faces the challenge of addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring justice for the victims of the war.
