Rapid Support Forces on Verge of Total Control in Darfur; Fears of Major Human Rights Abuses Rise

RSF's alleged history of grave human rights abuses, looting, and sexual violence fuels growing concern as they near total control of Darfur, prompting an urgent call for UN peacekeeping intervention.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are on the brink of total control over Darfur, Sudan, triggering fears of significant human rights abuses due to the group's history of gross violations, looting, and sexual violence.
The RSF has been accused of committing war crimes and genocide. Its recent victory in South, West, and Central Darfur ended with looting of cities and towns, leaving the north, home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, the only region yet to fall.
Experts warn that living conditions for Darfur's 11 million residents may get even worse under RSF's rule due to the group's inability or unwillingness to control their forces. The RSF's second-in-command has essentially abandoned the responsibility to govern, signaling a potential increase in lawlessness.
The RSF is alleged to have instigated sexual abuse of women and girls — at least 20 females are reported to be held across Darfur in 'slave-like conditions' by RSF fighters. Activists from South Darfur claim the reports of sexual violence may be underreported due to the lack of functioning police stations, hospitals, or reliable internet connections.
Human Rights Watch warned that the RSF's total rule could lead to more significant atrocities against civilians urging the UN Security Council to authorize a peacekeeping mission to protect civilians and monitor abuses. However, despite these calls for protection, militia violence and humanitarian crisis continue unabated.

United States Department of State

Reuters