UN probe finds mass killings, gang rapes by Sudan’s RSF amount to genocide

Lead

A United Nations Fact-Finding Mission has determined that atrocities committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the western city of el-Fasher constitute genocide, according to a report released on Wednesday. The investigation found evidence of mass killings, systematic abductions of women and girls, and mass gang rapes, along with deliberate starvation, during the RSF’s siege of the North Darfur state capital.

The findings build on a February report that had already identified signs of genocidal intent. The mission’s chair, Mohamed Chande Othman, said the patterns documented in el-Fasher — encirclement, attacks on civilian infrastructure, restrictions on humanitarian access, and widespread abuses — serve as a stark warning for other regions at risk.

Coverage comparison

All three outlets — Africa News, Al Jazeera, and AllAfrica — reported that the UN Fact-Finding Mission found the RSF’s actions in el-Fasher to bear the markers of genocide. Africa News framed the findings as evidence that atrocities committed by warring parties in Sudan constitute markers of genocide, noting the mission’s call for accountability, including cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Al Jazeera described the RSF’s campaign as systematic and intentional, emphasizing the denial by the RSF. AllAfrica highlighted the broader humanitarian toll, reporting that the conflict has killed at least 59,000 people and displaced 14 million more.

The outlets differed slightly in their focus. Al Jazeera reported that the UN Human Rights Council condemned the violence and set up an urgent inquiry into abuses in el-Obeid, while Africa News attributed this to a resolution passed by the council. AllAfrica similarly noted the mission’s mandate to investigate el-Obeid following the council’s resolution.

Key claims

Genocide in el-Fasher

The UN Fact-Finding Mission concluded that the RSF committed genocide in el-Fasher, carrying out mass killings, gang rapes, and deliberate starvation as part of an intentional policy, as reported by Al Jazeera and corroborated by Africa News and AllAfrica. Survivors described being raped in rooms where bodies of recently killed civilians, including family members, were still on the ground, according to Al Jazeera. The report also found that the RSF and its allies committed the war crime of starvation by imposing a prolonged siege, impeding relief supplies, and shelling food production systems.

The mission’s February report had identified “indicators of a genocidal path”; the new report provides additional evidence on sexual violence, forced disappearances, detention, and mass killings, according to AllAfrica.

Emerging risks in el-Obeid

The mission warned that similar patterns of violence and devastation are emerging in el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, where RSF forces have encircled the city and attacked critical infrastructure, as reported by Africa News and AllAfrica. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, warned last week that a “catastrophe” was unfolding around el-Obeid, whose population has faced siege-like conditions for 18 months, according to Al Jazeera and AllAfrica. The UK and other states warned of a risk of large-scale atrocities as the RSF massed forces around the city, according to Al Jazeera.

Accountability and international response

The Fact-Finding Mission reiterated its calls for effective accountability, including prompt cooperation with, and action by, the International Criminal Court, as reported by Africa News. Following a resolution by the UN Human Rights Council, an urgent inquiry will investigate alleged violations and abuses in el-Obeid, and the mission will report to the council and the General Assembly, according to Africa News.

Denial by the RSF

The RSF has denied the abuses, saying the accounts have been manufactured by its enemies, according to Al Jazeera. The paramilitary group has made counteraccusations against the Sudanese military, which has been fighting the RSF for more than three years.

Perspectives

UN Fact-Finding Mission

The mission, led by Mohamed Chande Othman, concluded that the RSF’s systematic campaign in el-Fasher amounted to genocide, citing mass killings, gang rapes, starvation, and other abuses. It warns that similar patterns are emerging in el-Obeid and urges the international community to act to prevent further catastrophe.

Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

The RSF denies the allegations, claiming that the accounts have been manufactured by its enemies. The group has not provided an alternative explanation for the documented abuses, instead making counteraccusations against the Sudanese Armed Forces.

UN Human Rights Council and human rights chief

The UN Human Rights Council condemned the violence and set up an urgent inquiry into abuses in el-Obeid, while High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned of a looming catastrophe there, urging international action.