Serba, July 09 (Darfur24)
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan said violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, including mass killings, systematic abductions and gang rape, are indicators of genocide. It also warned that similar patterns are emerging in El Obeid, North Kordofan.
In a report published on Wednesday, the mission announced an urgent investigation into alleged violations in and around El Obeid. The probe follows a UN Human Rights Council resolution adopted on July 6, mandating the mission to investigate possible violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and related international crimes.
The mission said its latest investigations uncovered additional evidence of atrocities in El Fasher. These include mass killings, arbitrary detention, torture, hostage-taking for ransom, enforced disappearances, and the systematic abduction and gang rape of women and girls. It said the findings build on its earlier report, Indicators of Genocide in El Fasher.
Mission chair Mohamed Chande Othman said the new evidence reinforces the mission’s conclusions on El Fasher. He said it also shows that the same patterns of abuse continue across Darfur.
He warned that the siege of El Fasher, attacks on civilian infrastructure, restrictions on humanitarian aid and widespread abuses against civilians should serve as a warning to the international community.
The mission expressed growing concern over the situation in El Obeid. It said the city is home to more than 500,000 residents and over 100,000 displaced people, who face worsening insecurity, attacks on critical infrastructure and shrinking access to essential services.
It warned that the same indicators seen before the atrocities in El Fasher are now appearing in El Obeid. These include the encirclement of the city, attacks on civilian infrastructure, increasing humanitarian isolation and growing risks to civilians.
The mission again called for urgent measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability. It urged stronger cooperation with the International Criminal Court and said it would continue investigating the situation and submit regular reports to the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.