UN Report on Sudan: Genocide Findings
The UN's independent fact-finding mission on Sudan has released a report highlighting grave human rights violations in El-Fasher, Darfur, and other regions, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army.
Key Findings
- The RSF's capture of El-Fasher was described as carrying the “hallmarks of genocide”.
- The siege inflicted “three days of absolute horror”, characterized by ethnic massacres, sexual violence, and detention.
- The RSF's actions were part of a planned and organized operation, not random acts of war.
Impact on Civilians
- Drone strikes in Kordofan reportedly killed dozens, including 15 children in a displacement camp.
- At least 11 million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflicts.
- The mission called for urgently needed protection of civilians in Kordofan.
Detailed Accounts of Atrocities
- Thousands from the Zaghawa ethnic group were killed, raped, or disappeared.
- Widespread sexual violence, including rape of women and girls aged 7 to 70, occurred.
- Mass killings were accompanied by public gang-rapes, such as incidents at El-Saudi Hospital and El-Fasher University.
International Response
- Britain, Canada, and the EU condemned the atrocities as possible war crimes.
- British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the findings “truly horrific” and planned to raise them at the UN Security Council.
Conclusion
The mission concluded that the RSF acted with genocidal intent, committing acts of genocide such as killing and causing harm to Zaghawa and Fur communities, enabled by a climate of impunity.
