Nyala, October 30 (Darfur24)
The Deputy Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Lieutenant General Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, has issued a command order directing RSF personnel to protect civilians and strictly adhere to the law and military discipline during operations to prevent violations and abuses.
The order, released Thursday, follows widespread condemnation of atrocities reportedly committed by RSF fighters after their takeover of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, last Sunday. Human rights organizations have accused the group of summary executions and other abuses against civilians in the city.
According to the order, RSF members must comply with national and international humanitarian law, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and refrain from any acts that “violate human dignity or contravene international conventions.”
The directive, published on the RSF’s official Telegram channel, further instructs field commanders to ensure that their subordinates respect all obligations under the RSF Law and the Geneva Conventions, emphasizing accountability at all levels.
“Commanders must discipline those who violate orders and report such cases to higher authorities,” the order states, adding that officers are required to maintain strict control over their units to ensure discipline and order.
The directive also mandates commanders to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure during military planning and operations. Those who fail to comply will face field court proceedings under Article provisions of the RSF Law of 2017.
This order comes after RSF Commander Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” announced on Wednesday the formation of legal and military committees to investigate the alleged violations in El Fasher. Hemedti said the committees had already arrived in the city and begun investigations, pledging that those found guilty of crimes would be held accountable.