In brief
Amnesty reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out a campaign of mass killings, rape, and forced displacement in Sudan’s el‑Fasher, amounting to crimes against humanity and possible genocide. The RSF’s siege, spanning 18 months, resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions. Both RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces deny the accusations, while international bodies demand a ceasefire and independent investigation.
Amnesty International has released a new report accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing crimes against humanity during the 18‑month siege of el‑Fasher, a town in western Sudan’s Darfur region.
The investigation documents mass killings, forced transfers, torture, rape, sexual slavery, and systematic targeting of civilians based on ethnic identity. According to the United Nations, over 6,000 people were killed in three days of the assault, and the civil war has displaced more than 14 million.
Amnesty’s evidence, drawn from 89 open‑source videos and satellite imagery, indicates that genocide could have taken place. One 17‑year‑old survivor described being shot by an RSF fighter and eight of his cousins were killed in the same attack.
Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) deny the accusations, but the RSF has acknowledged some violations and claims the scale of the atrocities is exaggerated. Amnesty stresses the need for accountability and calls for an international force to protect civilians.
In a statement, Agnes Callamard, secretary‑general of Amnesty International, urged the world to recognize the “stain on the conscience of humanity” and to implement a ceasefire and swift investigation of RSF commanders.
The UN’s latest findings echo these concerns, labeling the crimes a hallmark of genocide. The international community applies mounting pressure on Sudan’s backers to disengage from the conflict and ensure humanitarian aid reaches affected populations.
