Darfur on the Brink: UN Report Highlights Potential Genocide in Sudan
A United Nations-backed report released Thursday paints a harrowing picture of the conflict in Sudan, specifically in the city of el-Fasher, Darfur. The report alleges a “campaign of destruction” carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against non-Arab communities, meeting at least three criteria outlined in the Genocide Convention. This finding raises serious concerns about the escalating violence and the potential for widespread atrocities.
The RSF’s Campaign of Violence in El-Fasher
The RSF took control of el-Fasher in October 2023 after an 18-month siege. The subsequent offensive was marked by mass killings, sexual violence, torture, and abductions. U.N. Officials estimate several thousand civilians were killed during the RSF takeover, with only 40% of the city’s 260,000 residents managing to flee. The fate of the remaining residents remains unknown.
The report details a systematic pattern of ethnically targeted killings, focusing on the Zaghawa and Fur communities. Survivors reported RSF fighters explicitly calling for the elimination of non-Arab communities, with statements like: “Is there anyone Zaghawa among you? If we locate Zaghawa, we will kill them all” and “We want to eliminate anything black from Darfur.” The report also noted the selective targeting of Zaghawa and Fur women and girls, while women perceived as Arab were often spared.
Meeting the Criteria for Genocide
The 1948 Genocide Convention outlines five criteria for determining whether genocide has occurred: killing members of a group; causing serious bodily or mental harm; imposing measures aimed to prevent births in the group; deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about the “physical destruction” of the group; and forcibly transferring its children to another group.
The fact-finding team found evidence of at least three of these criteria being met in the RSF’s actions: killing members of a protected ethnic group; causing serious bodily and mental harm; and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction. The team chair, Mohamed Chande Othman, emphasized that the operation was not “random excesses of war” but a planned and organized operation bearing the characteristics of genocide.
Sudan’s Escalating Conflict and Regional Implications
The current conflict in Sudan began in mid-April 2023, stemming from long-simmering tensions between the Sudanese military and the RSF. The war has already claimed over 40,000 lives, though aid groups believe this number is a significant undercount. The RSF, formerly operated by the Sudanese government, has been accused of numerous atrocities throughout the conflict.
The RSF has reportedly received backing from the United Arab Emirates, allegations that the UAE denies. The group originated from the Janjaweed militias, notorious for atrocities committed in the early 2000s in Darfur, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 300,000 people and the displacement of 2.7 million.
International Response and Calls for Accountability
The findings of the U.N.-backed report have prompted international condemnation. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the report’s findings “truly horrific” and pledged to raise the issue at the U.N. Security Council. The fact-finding team called for accountability for the perpetrators and emphasized the urgent need for civilian protection as the conflict expands to other regions of Sudan.
The Biden administration previously determined that genocide was committed in Darfur, specifically by the RSF. The report underscores the need for a coordinated international effort to address the crisis and prevent further atrocities.
FAQ
What are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)? The RSF is a Sudanese paramilitary force formerly operated by the Sudanese government, originating from the Janjaweed militias.
What is the Genocide Convention? The Genocide Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1948 that defines genocide and outlines five criteria for determining whether it has occurred.
What is the current situation in el-Fasher? El-Fasher is under the control of the RSF, and the city has suffered widespread violence and displacement. The fate of many residents remains unknown.
Has genocide been officially declared in Darfur? While the U.N.-backed report finds evidence meeting the criteria for genocide, a formal declaration requires a legal determination by a competent authority.
What is being done to address the crisis? International organizations and governments are calling for accountability, increased humanitarian aid, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the situation in Sudan by following updates from reputable news sources like the Associated Press and the United Nations.
Did you know? The RSF’s commander, Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has acknowledged abuses by his fighters but disputed the scale of the atrocities.
Want to learn more about the ongoing crisis in Sudan? Explore more articles on the AP News website.
