The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with the High Commissioner for Human Rights warning that “we can only expect worse to come” without intervention. The conflict, ongoing for nearly three years, pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and has created a humanitarian emergency affecting more than 30 million people.
Mass Killings and War Crimes
Recent testimony from survivors details atrocity crimes committed by the RSF in El Fasher, North Darfur, after the city was overrun last October. Consistent accounts describe the mass killing of hundreds sheltering at El Fasher University, with some victims specifically targeted due to their Zaghawa ethnicity. Survivors reported scenes likened to “the Day of Judgment,” with piles of bodies along roads leading from the city.
These findings align with conclusions reached last month by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which determined that war crimes and crimes against humanity had taken place in El Fasher linked to the RSF’s siege.
Escalating Violence and Drone Warfare
The High Commissioner emphasized the “continuous inflow of weapons” fueling the conflict. Fighting has expanded from Darfur to the central Kordofan regions, with observers fearing further abuses. Both the SAF and RSF are utilizing “advanced drone weaponry systems,” resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, even after the SAF and allied Joint Forces recently broke sieges on Kadugli and Dilling.
Civilians face risks of summary executions, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and family separation. Attacks by the RSF have damaged critical infrastructure, including the Merowe dam and hydroelectric power station, which previously supplied 70 percent of Sudan’s electricity, disrupting power and water supplies and impacting healthcare.
Mediation Efforts
In an effort to de-escalate violence, the High Commissioner announced a series of proposed commitments, including avoiding attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, enabling humanitarian aid delivery, and ending arbitrary detention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the conflict in Sudan?
Rival militaries, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, have been battling for control of the country for nearly three years, beginning in April 2023 after a power-sharing agreement broke down.
Who is being held responsible for the atrocity crimes?
Responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies squarely with the RSF and their allies and supporters, according to the High Commissioner.
What is the extent of the humanitarian crisis?
The resulting humanitarian emergency has affected more than 30 million people in Sudan, with many facing repeated displacement, famine, and systematic sexual violence, including gang rape.
Given the escalating violence and the dire humanitarian situation, what role can the international community play in protecting civilians and fostering a path towards peace in Sudan?
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