The findings focus on events in El Fasher, where RSF fighters allegedly carried out mass killings, abductions, sexual violence and other abuses against civilians after capturing the city in October following an 18-month siege.
The latest report expands on findings released in February, which identified “indicators of a genocidal path”. Investigators have now presented additional evidence of widespread abuses, including gang rapes, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and large-scale killings.
Fact-Finding Mission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman said the events in El Fasher should serve as a warning to the international community. “The patterns documented in El Fasher, including encirclement, attacks on civilian infrastructure, restrictions on humanitarian access and widespread abuses against civilians, serve as a stark warning,” said Othman.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has entered its third year and continues to fuel what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The war has killed at least 59 000 people and displaced more than 14 million.
An estimated 33.7 million people now require humanitarian assistance across Sudan, while insecurity and access restrictions continue to hamper relief operations.
Investigators have expressed growing concern about developments in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state. Although the city remains under SAF control, RSF forces have reportedly surrounded the area, targeting key infrastructure and disrupting access to essential services.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk recently warned that El Obeid has endured siege-like conditions for the past 18 months. Attacks on power stations have caused electricity outages, interrupted water supplies and affected hospital operations.
The UN verified 15 drone strikes in and around El Obeid during a three-week period in June, resulting in at least 45 civilian deaths.
Investigators said the events in El Fasher illustrate the dangers facing civilians when warning signs are ignored. According to the report, RSF forces carried out door-to-door executions, identity-based attacks, drone bombardments and indiscriminate shootings after taking control of the city, killing more than 6 000 people over three days.
Before the assault, civilians endured months of restricted access to food, water, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance.
Fact-Finding Mission member Joy Ngozi Ezeilo said the findings highlight the need for immediate measures to protect civilians in El Obeid before violence escalates further.
Mission member Mona Rishmawi warned that international action remains critical. “El Obeid must not become the next crime scene,” said Rishmawi.
The Human Rights Council has mandated investigators to examine allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations in El Obeid as concerns grow over the risk of further atrocities in Sudan.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
