Amnesty International: Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing Committed in El-Fasher During Sudan Conflict

Amnesty International: Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing Committed in El-Fasher During Sudan Conflict
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Amnesty International has reported that the Rapid Support Forces committed violations amounting to crimes against humanity and acts of ethnic cleansing in and around the city of El-Fasher in North Darfur between 2024 and 2025, with civilians, particularly children, among the main victims.

The report said attacks systematically targeted civilians and included killings, torture, arbitrary detention, rape, sexual slavery, and the imposition of a siege that led to famine, as food and humanitarian aid were prevented from entering the city.

Amnesty said the violations particularly affected members of the Zaghawa community. The organization documented the use of racist language during attacks, as well as the burning of predominantly Zaghawa villages after their residents were displaced, describing the pattern as consistent with ethnic cleansing.

According to the report, the Rapid Support Forces imposed a severe siege on El-Fasher from May 2024 to October 2025, accompanied by continuous shelling of the city. This caused a sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions and the spread of famine, forcing residents to consume food not intended for human use. Mothers also suffered from malnutrition, affecting children’s health and contributing to rising child mortality rates.

The report added that the RSF attack on El-Fasher in October 2025 resulted in large numbers of casualties. Amnesty documented survivor testimonies describing mass executions, torture, hostage-taking, and the discovery of many bodies around the city.

The report also documented widespread sexual violence, including cases involving girls under the age of 18. It further reported the forced recruitment and use of children in combat, intelligence gathering, and herding livestock, including children from allied communities and others abducted from villages.

Amnesty International described what happened in El-Fasher as “a stain on the conscience of humanity” and urged the international community to take urgent action to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and hold those responsible for grave violations accountable under international law.