Mass Killings Continue in Sudan's El-Fasher, says Yale Researchers

Fresh satellite imagery obtained by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab suggests that mass killings are likely still taking place in and around El-Fasher, the Sudanese city that fell to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) just days ago. The city's capture marked the RSF's victory over the regular army, which had been under siege for 18 months. Reports of summary executions, sexual violence, and attacks on aid workers have emerged, while communication is largely cut off. Researchers identified at least 31 clusters of objects consistent with human bodies across the city.

Key Takeaways:

• Yale researchers have identified at least 31 clusters of objects consistent with human bodies across El-Fasher, using fresh satellite imagery obtained since the city's fall to the RSF.
• Survivors from El-Fasher who reached the nearby town of Tawila have told AFP of mass killings, with children being shot before their parents and civilians being beaten and robbed as they fled.
• The UN estimates that more than 65,000 people have fled El-Fasher, with tens of thousands remaining trapped in the city, where around 260,000 people were before the RSF's final assault.
• The capture of El-Fasher has given the RSF full control over all five state capitals in Darfur, effectively splitting Sudan along an east-west axis.
• Both the RSF and the army have faced war crimes accusations over the course of the conflict, with the UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher questioning the RSF's commitment to investigate violations.
• Hayat, a mother of five who fled El-Fasher, reported that young men traveling with them were stopped by paramilitaries along the way, and they do not know what happened to them.

Statistics:

• At least 31 clusters of objects consistent with human bodies were identified in El-Fasher between Monday and Friday.
• Over 65,000 people have fled El-Fasher, according to the UN.
• Around 260,000 people were in El-Fasher before the RSF's final assault.
• 5 state capitals in Darfur are now under the control of the RSF.

Sources:

• AP News
• AFP
• Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab
• UN
• Reuters