Full Breakdown
Atrocities in El Fasher: UN Accuses Sudan's RSF of War Crimes
2/13/2026, 8:30:19 PM
Overview of the Conflict
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has seen a brutal power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced approximately 14 million people, with widespread reports of human rights violations, including sexual violence used as a weapon of war.
RSF's Capture of El Fasher
In October 2025, the RSF captured the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, after an 18-month siege that cut off essential supplies to the city. The takeover was marked by mass killings and atrocities, with the UN Human Rights Office documenting over 6,000 killings in the first three days of the RSF offensive. The report indicates that these actions amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity.
Documented Atrocities
The UN's findings are based on interviews with more than 140 victims and witnesses conducted in late 2025. The report details horrific incidents, including the mass killing of approximately 500 individuals at Al-Rashid dormitory in El Fasher University, where RSF fighters opened fire on a crowd seeking shelter. Witnesses described scenes of extreme violence, with bodies thrown into the air, likening it to "a scene out of a horror movie." Additionally, the report highlights systematic patterns of sexual violence, torture, and abductions for ransom, particularly targeting women and girls from non-Arab communities.
Calls for Accountability
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for credible and impartial investigations into the atrocities committed in El Fasher. He emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for these serious crimes, urging states with influence to respect the existing arms embargo and halt military support to the conflicting parties. Türk's statements reflect a broader concern that similar violations could spread to other regions in Sudan, particularly Kordofan.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the UN, the RSF and its allies initially attempted to downplay the severity of the reported atrocities, attributing blame to allied armed groups. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has promised an investigation into the events in El Fasher, though skepticism remains regarding the sincerity and effectiveness of such efforts.
What's Next?
The international community is urged to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities in Sudan. The UN has called for enhanced civilian protection measures and support for local mediation initiatives to achieve a cessation of hostilities and a pathway towards inclusive governance. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions in need of urgent assistance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These must lead to meaningful accountability for perpetrators of exceptionally serious crimes, through all available means,” — Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- “The acts of violence knowingly committed as part of such an attack would amount to crimes against humanity” — UN Human Rights Office report
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with the potential for further escalation of violence and human rights violations unless decisive action is taken by the international community.
