Sudan Atrocities are ‘Hallmarks of Genocide’, UN Says
A UN fact-finding mission has determined that the horrific atrocities carried out during the siege and takeover of the Sudanese city of el-Fasher bear the unmistakable hallmarks of genocide.
– Overview of the Incident:
– The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured el-Fasher in late October after an 18-month blockade, marking a brutal chapter in Sudan’s nearly three-year civil conflict.
– This assault has triggered widespread international outrage and represents one of the most violent episodes in recent Sudanese history.
– UN Findings:
– The investigation is the UN’s most explicit indication that genocide is being committed by RSF fighters in Darfur during the ongoing conflict.
– Mona Rishmawi, an expert on the fact-finding mission, stated: The body of evidence we collected—including prolonged sieges, starvation, denial of humanitarian assistance, mass killings, rape, torture, enforced disappearances, and systematic humiliation—leaves only one reasonable inference: the RSF acted with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Zaghawa and Fur communities in El-Fasher. These are the hallmarks of genocide.
– Confirmed Genocidal Acts:
– The report identifies at least three critical acts of genocide:
– Killing members of a protected ethnic group.
– Causing serious bodily and mental harm.
– Deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction.
– Methodology:
– Investigators based their conclusions on over 320 interviews with survivors, statements from RSF commanders, and verified multimedia evidence, despite being unable to directly visit el-Fasher.
– International Response:
– UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the findings as truly horrific and plans to present the report’s conclusions to the UN Security Council, calling for international criminal investigations to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for victims.
– Context of the Conflict:
– The civil war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 stemming from a power struggle between the regular army and the RSF. This conflict has expanded into a nationwide crisis fueled by historical grievances and ethnic divisions.
– Both factions have been accused of committing serious human rights abuses and war crimes, with the RSF, in particular, targeting non-Arabs amidst vicious tactics reminiscent of past atrocities in Darfur.
– Details of the Siege:
– The report emphasizes that el-Fasher was systematically starved and destroyed during the prolonged siege, weakening the local population and leaving them vulnerable to extreme violence.
– Thousands of individuals, particularly from the Zaghawa ethnic group, were reported killed, raped, or disappeared within just three days of absolute horror.
– State of Affairs:
– Investigators noted that RSF behavior in el-Fasher represents an escalation of previous patterns of violence, emphasizing the ongoing risk of more genocidal acts.
– The Human Rights Council mandated the investigative team to identify potential perpetrators to ensure accountability. Notable RSF leaders, including Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), were specifically mentioned for their roles in the violence.
– International Involvement:
– The report highlighted the involvement of foreign mercenaries and advanced weaponry in supporting the RSF, indicating broader geopolitical implications. The UAE has been widely cited as a primary backer, despite its denials.
– Calls for Action:
– The investigators urged the international community to enforce existing arms embargoes on Darfur and extend them nationwide, prevent weapon transfers, and pursue targeted sanctions against those implicated in the atrocities.
– Conclusion:
– As the world watches, it is essential to galvanize global action to push for humanitarian access, ceasefires, and support for survivors. Continuing violence underscores a stark failure to protect the people of Sudan, with discussions at the Security Council representing a critical moment for action.
The atrocities in Sudan are a harrowing reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty and the urgent need for international intervention. The spirit of accountability and commitment to justice must prevail for the victims of these horrific acts.