The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan has accused both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and widespread atrocities in the country’s ongoing conflict.
In a damning report presented to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, the Mission warned that Sudan’s conflict has become a “war of atrocities” deliberately targeting civilians, destroying infrastructure, and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
UN Mission Findings: Deliberate Attacks on Civilians
Chaired by Mohamed Chande Othman, the Mission revealed evidence that both SAF and RSF forces:
- Launched direct attacks on civilians.
- Destroyed vital infrastructure such as hospitals, markets, water systems, and displacement camps.
- Engaged in mass killings, torture, sexual slavery, rape, and forced displacement.
“These are not accidental tragedies but deliberate strategies amounting to war crimes,” Othman said.
Atrocities in El Fasher and El Gezira
The report highlights the RSF’s siege of El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, where civilians endured starvation, denial of medicine, and mass executions targeting non-Arab communities such as the Zaghawa, Fur, Masalit, and Tunjur.
In April, between 300 and 1,500 people—mostly women and children—were massacred in Zamzam camp. Survivors described systematic persecution, rape, and enslavement carried out by RSF fighters and allied militias.
The Sudanese Armed Forces were also implicated in unlawful killings. After retaking a town in El Gezira in January, they reportedly attacked Kanabi communities, killing dozens and forcing residents to flee.
Humanitarian Crisis: Millions Displaced
The war has created one of the world’s largest displacement crises. The UN estimates that 12.1 million Sudanese are now displaced, while only one in four health facilities remains functional in the worst-hit regions.
Between April 2023 and April 2025, 84 aid workers were killed and many others detained arbitrarily. Survivors described RSF detention centers as “slaughterhouses”, where detainees were tortured, executed, or ransomed.
Sexual Violence and Targeted Persecution
The Mission documented widespread sexual violence against women and girls, some as young as 12. Victims from non-Arab communities faced rape, gang rape, forced marriage, and sexual slavery.
SAF and allied forces were also accused of sexualized torture in detention facilities.
“Behind every documented story is a shattered family, a displaced community, a survivor of unimaginable violence,” said expert member Joy Ngozi Ezeilo.
Call for Justice and International Action
The report concluded that Sudan’s institutions lack the will and ability to deliver credible investigations, often granting impunity and amnesty to perpetrators.
Expert member Mona Rishmawi urged the global community to:
- Enforce the arms embargo.
- Support prosecutions via the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Establish an independent judicial mechanism.
- Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and groups responsible.
“Every day of inaction leaves the Sudanese people under attack,” she warned.
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