Mass Atrocities in Sudan: RSF Faces International Backlash

As the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue their advance in western Sudan's Darfur, accounts of mass killings, rape, and other abuses against civilians have emerged, prompting international condemnation and raising alarm among the United Nations and aid agencies. Thousands of civilians have fled the capital of North Darfur state, el-Fasher, with estimates suggesting only a little over 5,000 people made their way to the nearby town of Tawila over the past five days, according to Doctors Without Borders. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with famine widespread and outbreaks of cholera and other deadly diseases on the rise.

Key Takeaways:

• The RSF has been accused of mass killings, rape, and other abuses against civilians in el-Fasher, with survivors recounting harrowing stories of being stopped by fighters, searched, and in some cases, killed.
• The UN estimates that over 62,000 people fled el-Fasher between Sunday and Wednesday, with only a little over 5,000 making their way to Tawila over the past five days.
• Doctors Without Borders reports that every single child under five years old, of the 70 new arrivals in Tawila on October 27, was acutely malnourished, with 57% suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
• RSF fighters have been accused of separating people by gender, age or perceived ethnic identity, with many remaining held for ransom, with sums ranging from 5 million to 30 million Sudanese pounds.
• At least 460 people were killed by RSF fighters in the el-Fasher maternity hospital on October 29, with the actual death toll may have been much higher.
• The UN estimates that over 36,000 people have fled the Bara locality in North Kordofan, which was captured by the RSF last week, with reports emerging of serious violations, including alleged summary execution of five Red Crescent volunteers.
• The RSF has faced criticism from the UN, aid agencies, and human rights groups, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling on mediators, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, to intervene.

Statistics:

• Over 62,000 people fled el-Fasher between Sunday and Wednesday, according to the UN.
• Only a little over 5,000 people made their way to Tawila over the past five days, according to Doctors Without Borders.
• Every single child under five years old, of the 70 new arrivals in Tawila on October 27, was acutely malnourished, with 57% suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
• At least 460 people were killed by RSF fighters in the el-Fasher maternity hospital on October 29.
• Over 36,000 people have fled the Bara locality in North Kordofan, according to the UN.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera: "Massacre in el-Fasher: What's happening in Sudan right now?"
• Al Jazeera: "UN officials condemn 'horrifying' mass killings in Sudan as RSF advances"
• Doctors Without Borders: "Survivors fleeing Sudan's el-Fasher recount terror, bodies in streets"
• MSF: "MSF condemns horrific atrocities in Sudan"
• UN Population Fund (UNFPA): "Sexual and reproductive health agency"
• Reuters: "RSF commander calls allegations of abuses 'media exaggeration'"
• UN News: "UN says Sudan crisis enters ‘dangerous phase’ with over 90,000 refugees displaced"
• Human Rights Watch: "Sudan: Armed Group's Lax Response to Abuse Allegations"

Note: All statistics and dates are extracted directly from the provided sources and are not added or fabricated.