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Mediation

Sudan's Paramilitary Forces Seize Control of Western Darfur Region, Raising Fears of Atrocities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tens of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped in the western Darfur region of Sudan, raising fears of atrocities after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the city of el-Fasher. The RSF took control of the city last week, after ousting the rival Sudanese army from the city that was besieged for 18 months. Reports and videos have circulated of RSF atrocities against civilians, including beatings, killings, and sexual assaults.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 460 people were killed in the hospital, according to the World Health Organization.
  • Tens of thousands of people are believed to have fled el-Fasher, but less than 6,000 have made it to the nearest camp in Tawila, 65 kilometers away.
  • Almost 1,000 people arrived in the last three days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
  • Survivors describe dodging gunmen as they fled el-Fasher and have shared harrowing details of having to dodge bullets and other dangers.
  • 170 unaccompanied children, some as young as 3 years old, trekked to Tawila without knowing where their family members were.
  • Sudan's ambassador in Cairo, Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi, accused the RSF of carrying out war crimes in el-Fasher and urged the international community to designate the group as a terrorist organization.
  • The UAE has denied accusations of arming the RSF, but Sudan's government is calling on the international community to act immediately and effectively.

Statistics:

  • More than 40,000 people have been killed in the war between the RSF and Sudan's armed forces, according to U.N. figures.
  • The true number of killed could be many times higher, according to aid groups.
  • Over 14 million people have been displaced due to the conflict.
  • The war has unleashed outbreaks of diseases, killing thousands.

Sources:

  • Associated Press (no date)
  • World Health Organization (no date)
  • United Nations (no date)
  • Norwegian Refugee Council (no date)
  • Sudan Ambassador in Cairo, Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi (no date)
  • UAE diplomat, Anwar Gargash (no date)

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