Amnesty International Accuses Sudan’s RSF of Ethnic Cleansing in El‑RSF of Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing in El‑Fasher
In a report released on Wednesday, Amnesty International said that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during its prolonged campaign to seize the city of El‑Fasher between 2024 and 2025. The organization based its conclusions on interviews with 247 victims and witnesses from North Darfur, conducted from early 2024 through October 2025.
Background: The Sudanese Conflict
Since April 2023, Sudan has been locked in a brutal war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. According to the United Nations, the fighting has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced millions of civilians. Both warring parties have faced allegations of widespread atrocities, prompting multiple independent investigations.
In February 2025, a United Nations fact‑finding mission concluded that the RSF’s October 2025 offensive on El‑Fasher displayed “the hallmarks of genocide.” The mission’s findings added weight to growing concerns that the conflict is evolving into a targeted campaign against specific ethnic groups.
Key Findings of the Amnesty Report
- Systematic attacks on settlements: RSF forces repeatedly shelled and burned villages surrounding El‑Fasher, home to the Zaghawa ethnic group, even after residents had fled.
- Intent to render areas uninhabitable: The report notes that houses were torched long after occupants left, suggesting a deliberate effort to prevent return—a hallmark of ethnic cleansing.
- Violence against children: Documented abuses include killings, abductions, forced recruitment, and sexual violence against minors.
- Large‑scale executions and torture: During the final offensive in October 2025, hundreds of civilians attempting to flee were executed, while many others were tortured or imprisoned.
- Command responsibility: Amnesty states that those in authority “knew or should have known” about the violations and failed to intervene or hold perpetrators accountable.
Agnes Callamard, Secretary‑General of Amnesty International, described the findings as “a stain on the conscience of humanity.” The organization emphasized that its investigation remains ongoing and that the documented acts may also be relevant to the crime of genocide under international law.
International Response and Calls for Action
Amnesty International urged an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of an independent international protection force to safeguard civilians in El‑Fasher and surrounding areas. The NGO also called for:
- Accountability mechanisms, including referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for those responsible.
- Increased humanitarian access to deliver aid to displaced populations.
- Robust monitoring by the UN Human Rights Council and other treaty‑based bodies.
The appeal coincides with a UN Human Rights Council debate on the town of El‑Obeid in North Kordofan, where fears of an imminent RSF attack have risen after weeks of intensified assaults.
Why This Matters
The allegations against the RSF add a critical layer to the already dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity not only violate fundamental human rights but also destabilize regional security, hinder peace efforts, and impede long‑term recovery. Credible documentation by respected organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations provides an essential evidence base for diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and potential judicial action.
As the situation continues to evolve, sustained international attention and coordinated action will be vital to protect vulnerable communities, preserve evidence for future accountability, and pave the way toward a durable peace in Sudan.
