Rapid Support Forces Detain Thousands and Block Civilians from Fleeing El-Fasher Amid Ethnic Cleansing Campaign

Sudanese medical groups and multiple outlets report that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) detained thousands of civilians in El-Fasher and blocked their evacuation following the city’s capture after an 18‑month siege.

“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of El Fasher, a city besieged for 18 months and labeled by the UN as the "epicentre of suffering”

ABC News

Door‑to‑door killings and forced separations heightened terror for those left behind.

ABC News

The Sudan Doctors Network accuses the RSF of confiscating transport, forcing back fleeing residents—including the wounded and malnourished—and detaining or abducting health workers amid severe shortages of medicine and staff.

Western mainstream and West Asian outlets further document the RSF’s takeover and alleged atrocities, with some explicitly framing events as ethnic cleansing and genocide-related abuses.

Satellite and survivor evidence underscore attacks on hospitals and neighborhoods.

RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has acknowledged violations and announced investigations, according to several reports.

The humanitarian fallout is vast, with West Asian and Asian outlets reporting famine-like conditions and mass displacement.

International bodies warn of catastrophic collapse without safe passage.

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera cites tens of thousands of deaths, 14 million displaced, and famine and disease spreading nationwide.

The International Organization for Migration recorded over 62,000 people fleeing El-Fasher within four days of the RSF’s takeover.

Separate reports detail at least 1,500 killed in two days during escape attempts and more than 260,000 people trapped in famine-like conditions with no safe routes out.

Local and international aid groups describe desperate movements toward Tawila amid continuing attacks and detentions.

Multiple Western mainstream and West Asian outlets document specific mass atrocities in El-Fasher.

“The article highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan stemming from the conflict since April 2023 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army”

Al Jazeera

There was a multi-wave assault on El-Fasher and repeated attacks on the city’s maternity hospital, resulting in at least 460 people killed.

Reports also include gang rapes, abductions, and executions.

UN and media investigations describe house-to-house killings, sexual violence, and attacks on medical workers.

The UN reported at least 25 women were gang-raped near El-Fasher University.

While RSF statements deny responsibility and call the allegations fabricated, other reports note that RSF leadership has acknowledged some violations and promised investigations.

There is video-verified evidence of RSF members shooting unarmed captives.

Many outlets describe the campaign as violence targeting specific ethnic groups by RSF-linked forces associated with the Janjaweed.

Some sources use terms like genocide or ethnic cleansing and highlight the targeting of non-Arab communities.

Al Jazeera

Western mainstream and West Asian sources reference investigations and satellite evidence indicating mass killings and widespread displacement.

Certain reports also point to alleged foreign support networks involved in the campaign.

Others emphasize denials by the implicated states or stress the importance of verification and accountability amid conflicting claims.

International responses range from urgent calls for investigations and sanctions to criticisms of global inaction.

“RSF leader Mohamad Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo has promised to investigate reported abuses by his forces, but skepticism persists regarding the sincerity and effectiveness of these commitments”

Al Jazeera

Aid groups demand safe corridors while communications blackouts and expulsions hamper relief efforts.

Al Jazeera

UN officials urge immediate global action, independent probes, and accountability.

Rights groups seek enforcement of resolutions and targeted sanctions, including on alleged external supporters.

The UK announced sanctions and aid after El-Fasher fell.

Media report the UN Security Council’s emergency meeting and broader failures to act decisively.

Some outlets report claims of terrorist designations or criticize ongoing arms ties to alleged RSF backers, claims denied by those states.

These reports illustrate divergent diplomatic narratives.