Sudan's Rapid Support Forces Kill at Least 89 Civilians in North Darfur

Strategic Insights -

The UN human rights office reports that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out brutal attacks on civilians in the besieged North Darfur city of El Fasher, resulting in the deaths of at least 89 people. The attacks, which spanned a 10-day period, targeted civilians based on their ethnicity, with many victims from the African Zaghawa tribe. The UN has expressed deep concern over the ethnically motivated violence and the alarming number of civilian casualties. The situation in El Fasher has worsened a critical humanitarian crisis, with a growing risk of famine in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 89 civilians were killed in brutal attacks by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur's El Fasher city over a 10-day period.
  • The actual number of civilians killed is likely higher, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence.
  • 32 civilians were killed between August 16 and August 20, and a previous attack on August 11 killed at least 57 civilians.
  • 16 of the recent killings appear to be summary executions, with most victims from the African Zaghawa tribe.
  • At least 40 internally displaced men were abducted on August 16, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
  • Aid delivery has come under fire, with aerial strikes in Mellit, North Darfur hitting a UN convoy of 16 trucks carrying food on August 20.
  • UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk has called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, ensure safe passage for those wishing to leave conflict zones, and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian aid.

Statistics:

  • At least 89 civilians killed in the attacks
  • 32 civilians killed between August 16 and August 20
  • 57 civilians killed on August 11
  • 16 summary executions identified
  • 16 trucks carrying food hit by aerial strikes in Mellit, North Darfur
  • 40 internally displaced men abducted on August 16

Sources:

  • UN human rights office (no specific date provided)
  • Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (no specific date provided)
  • Volker Trk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (no specific date provided)