Rapid Support Forces Massacre 7,000 Civilians in El Fasher, Sudan

A joint investigation reported by Washington Examiner says the massacre that followed the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of El Fasher was far deadlier than first believed.

“Since April 2023, the conflict in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military has led to over 40,000 official deaths, with aid organizations indicating the toll may be higher”

ABC News

An RSF commander estimated that at least 7,000 civilians were killed, an allegation the RSF publicly denies.

ABC News

Multiple outlets agree the city fell after an approximately 18-month siege.

AP News reports the RSF took control following a siege marked by mass killings, ethnic violence, and sexual assaults.

Roya News and tippinsights likewise describe an 18-month blockade ending with the RSF seizing El Fasher after cutting off food and medical supplies.

Amid these allegations, the RSF spokesman dismissed the 7,000 figure as false and blamed the war’s atrocities on the conflict itself and on the Sudanese Armed Forces’ decisions.

This underscores sharp contention over accountability for what happened in El Fasher.

The El Fasher killings are part of a nationwide conflict with varying reported death and displacement totals depending on the source.

ABC News cites over 40,000 official deaths since April 2023, a figure supported by AP News and regional summaries that estimate displacement at over 14 million.

Al-Jazeera Net

Other sources provide different numbers: The Sun Malaysia reports 20,000 deaths and over 15 million displaced in the Kordofan states.

The Diplomatic Insight mentions tens of thousands of deaths with nearly 12 million displaced.

Middle East Monitor states that more than 12.6 million people were displaced by late 2025, calling it the world’s largest displacement crisis.

These conflicting figures arise from differences in scope, timeframes, and focus among the sources, but all highlight extensive civilian suffering.

Accounts from mainstream and regional outlets converge on severe RSF abuses around El Fasher.

“The conflict between Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army has intensified, with the RSF capturing key locations such as Bara city and El Fasher in North Darfur”

Al-Jazeera Net

Some narratives escalate the charge to genocide.

ABC News lists accusations against the RSF of widespread executions, ethnic killings, and sexual assaults.

AP News also ties these allegations to the 18-month siege and capture of El Fasher.

The Guardian notes the RSF have been accused of ethnically motivated atrocities reminiscent of past Darfur violence.

United News of Bangladesh reports the UN Secretary-General stating the RSF committed mass executions, ethnic killings, and sexual assaults after taking El Fasher, which the RSF denies.

The Korea Times amplifies the Sudanese government’s stance, with the Sudanese ambassador alleging ethnic genocide, mass executions, and people being burned or buried alive.

These claims reflect the most severe characterizations among the sources.

Global reactions emphasize a ceasefire and accountability, with some calling for targeted action against the RSF and its alleged backers.

AP News, Editorji, and Букви detail the UN Secretary‑General’s calls for an immediate ceasefire, accountability, and halting arms flows.

Al-Jazeera Net

lbc.co.uk urges the UK to use its UN Security Council seat to pressure the UAE and take measures against the RSF similar to those used against ISIS.

Dabanga Radio TV Online highlights Muslim‑majority states condemning RSF atrocities and obstruction of aid.

Al‑Jazeera Net reflects the Sudanese government’s position, labeling the RSF as terrorists and vowing no truce unless the RSF withdraws from cities.

These reactions illustrate sharp divides over how to achieve protection and justice for civilians.

The humanitarian fallout from the El Fasher takeover is catastrophic and evolving.

“Sudanese officials, including Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism Khalid Ali Al-Eisir and Defense Minister Hassan Daoud Kabron, have called on the Sudanese people to support the armed forces in confronting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which they labeled as "mercenaries, killers, and terrorists”

Al-Jazeera Net

AP News describes thousands fleeing to a nearby camp and documents an RSF drone strike on a pediatric hospital.

Al-Jazeera Net

United News of Bangladesh reports nearly 71,000 people were displaced after the city’s capture.

Editorji warns that hundreds of thousands remain trapped amid severe malnutrition, disease, and violence.

Roya News adds that the RSF now controls most of western Darfur while the Sudanese army holds other regions, raising fears of Sudan splitting.

The Diplomatic Insight notes the RSF has set up a rival administration in El-Fasher, underscoring the risk of prolonged fragmentation that complicates aid and accountability.