Rapid Support Forces Massacre Civilians in El-Fasher as ICC Collects War Crimes Evidence
Key Takeaways
- Rapid Support Forces seized El-Fasher, committing mass killings, rapes, and ethnic-based massacres.
- International Criminal Court is actively collecting evidence for war crimes and crimes against humanity prosecutions.
- Conflict and RSF violence have displaced tens of thousands, worsening famine and humanitarian crises in Darfur.
Sudan Conflict and ICC Investigation
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured El-Fasher after a prolonged siege.
“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized control of El-Fasher during ongoing clashes with Sudan’s military”
Following the takeover, the RSF reportedly committed mass atrocities, including killings and sexual violence.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is actively working to preserve evidence of these atrocities for potential prosecutions.
NBC News reports that the ICC is gathering evidence related to killings, sexual assaults, abductions of medical personnel, and at least 460 deaths at a hospital.
ABC News highlights that the ICC is investigating war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by all parties involved in Darfur.
The attack on an El-Fasher hospital resulted in at least 460 deaths and the abduction of medical staff.
West Asian outlets such as TRT World and The Straits Times emphasize the ICC’s ongoing evidence collection regarding mass killings and sexual violence after the RSF captured El-Fasher on October 26.
The website usmuslims also underscores serious ICC concerns about mass killings and sexual violence following the RSF’s takeover of El-Fasher on October 26, 2023.
Classification of RSF Crimes
Assessments of the crimes’ classification vary by outlet and institution.
Dailynewsegypt reports the UN Security Council condemned RSF attacks and warned of “possible large-scale atrocities and ethnic violence.”
The Straits Times cites experts who say the violence “resembles previous genocidal episodes.”
ABC News states the ICC is probing “genocide” alongside war crimes and crimes against humanity.
By contrast, Mathrubhumi English notes a UN investigation “confirmed that war crimes have occurred” but “stopped short of labeling the violence as genocide.”
Some alternative and diplomatic-focused sources go further: Drop Site News relays that actions have been “condemned as genocidal.”
The Diplomatic Insight reports that in January 2024 “the US labeled the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias as genocidal.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The human toll is described as catastrophic but with divergent estimates.
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NBC News cites a severe crisis with over 40,000 deaths, more than 14 million displaced people, and famine declared in areas such as El-Fasher and Kadugli.
Common Dreams reports far higher figures—up to 150,000 deaths and displaced over 12 million people—and details more than 460 killed at a maternity hospital.
DW calls it the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises, with nearly 12 million people displaced.
The Straits Times adds that more than 70,000 people have fled El-Fasher and nearly 200,000 remain trapped, with reports of men being separated and killed.
The BBC notes the RSF’s 18-month food blockade during the siege and that the RSF denies targeting civilians.
Sudan Conflict External Support
Sources differ on the external supporters and responsibility in the Sudan conflict.
DW reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is allegedly supported by the UAE, which denies this claim.
According to DW, the Sudanese army receives backing from Egypt.
Mathrubhumi English states that the RSF controls western Sudan with support from the UAE and Libya.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are said to be backed by Egypt, according to Mathrubhumi English.
Common Dreams claims the UAE is a key financier of the RSF and admits to mistakes in supporting efforts that undermined Sudan’s transition.
In contrast, The Eastleigh Voice describes the fighting as involving the army backed by both Egypt and the UAE.
The Eastleigh Voice links the RSF to Janjaweed militias, differing from other reports that place UAE support mainly with the RSF.
The United Nations, cited by DW, calls on those involved in Sudan's conflict, especially the UAE and Egypt, to restrain the warring parties and protect civilians.
Darfur ICC Investigations Update
Accountability efforts continue despite setbacks.
“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of nearly all of Darfur, including key locations like Bara city and El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, amid ongoing civilian massacres in El Fasher”
Dabanga Radio TV Online details that since April 2023 the ICC Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, focusing on El Fasher, under UN Security Council Resolution 1593 (2005).
The ICC is working with victims and civil society and has launched a secure platform for submissions.
Apa.az and usmuslims highlight the ICC’s active preservation of evidence in El Fasher after the RSF captured the city.
NBC News notes this work continues even though the ICC’s chief prosecutor temporarily stepped down over unrelated issues.
ABC News points to progress, citing the court’s first Darfur conviction—Ali Kushayb—for mass executions and prisoner killings.
Dailynewsegypt stresses the deterrent value of recent convictions.
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