Sudan’s RSF Militias Unleash Horror in El Fasher with UK Arms
BREAKING: The situation in El Fasher, Sudan, has escalated into a humanitarian crisis as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia unleashes unprecedented terror on the city. Reports confirm that RSF fighters are conducting door-to-door searches, targeting civilians in a brutal campaign of violence and terror that has resulted in mass executions and torture. Survivors recount harrowing tales, with disturbing videos surfacing online showing RSF militants committing atrocities against unarmed prisoners.
The RSF has besieged El Fasher for the past 18 months, cutting off vital supplies of food and fuel. This relentless assault has led to a grim reality where civilians are left with no means of escape. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have failed to protect the population, often withdrawing when the RSF attacks, leaving innocent lives at the mercy of the militia.
This latest wave of violence is rooted in a long history of conflict in the region. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, has its origins in the notorious Janjaweed militia, notorious for its role in the Darfur genocide starting in 2003. Following the ousting of former dictator Omar al-Bashir in early 2019, Hemedti’s forces played a pivotal role in the Transitional Military Council, further entrenching their power in the region.
The RSF and SAF, once collaborators, have turned on each other, igniting a civil war that has devastated Sudan. Reports from activists like Khalid Sidahmed characterize both factions as counter-revolutionary forces, undermining the very essence of the Sudanese revolution. “The revolution is the primary target of both sides,” Sidahmed stated, emphasizing the dire consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.
As the RSF continues its reign of terror, it exploits Darfur’s natural resources, particularly gold, to fund its operations. This exploitation has drawn the militia back to its stronghold, where they can commit atrocities without fear of reprisal. “What the RSF did was expected,” Sidahmed remarked, reflecting on the militia’s tactical retreat from Khartoum to concentrate their efforts in the more vulnerable regions.
Internationally, condemnation is growing. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has denounced the atrocities, highlighting the horrific use of rape as a weapon of war and the mass executions occurring daily. Notably, investigations have unveiled that some of the weapons employed by the RSF bear the label “made in Britain.” This troubling connection raises questions about the UK’s role in the ongoing conflict, especially given that British arms companies continued to receive export licenses for the UAE, a known conduit for arms smuggling into Sudan, as recently as September 2022.
The fall of El Fasher represents a catastrophic failure of international oversight and intervention, allowing a nightmare scenario to unfold. As the RSF solidifies its grip on power, the humanitarian impact is profound, with countless lives at stake.
WHAT’S NEXT: The world watches as the situation deteriorates further. Activists and humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent action to address the escalating crisis. The international community must respond swiftly to prevent additional atrocities and support the Sudanese people in their fight for freedom and democracy. Immediate engagement is critical to halt the violence and address the dire humanitarian needs of those affected.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
