Sudan: Calls to Declare RSF a ‘Terrorist Organization’ After El-Fashir Fall, Reports of Massacre, Rape, and Looting

International Desk | PNN

In Sudan’s North Darfur region, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, has been accused of committing horrific killings and sexual violence. Senior Sudanese diplomats allege that the RSF is carrying out planned attacks on civilians, with support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

At a press conference in Cairo on Sunday, November 2, Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi stated, “The RSF has committed war crimes in El-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur. They spared no women, children, or the elderly. This constitutes genocide.”

He urged the international community to declare the RSF a terrorist organization and hold their UAE supporters accountable.

The UAE has denied these allegations. Sudanese presidential advisor Anwar Gargash said, “We are working to end the conflict. Rather, we all made a mistake when the two military leaders overthrew the civilian government.”

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris recently stated that the RSF should be tried at the International Court, but he rejected the idea of deploying foreign troops as “illegal.” After being besieged for 18 months, the RSF took control of El-Fashir last week. Since the city fell, reports of mass killings, rape, arson, and looting have emerged. Officially, more than 2,000 people have died, although eyewitnesses believe the actual number is much higher.

Eyewitness Adam Yahya, who fled the area, said, “The streets were filled with corpses. RSF members spared no one—men, women, or children. I escaped with my children across the desert.”

Another woman, 45-year-old Rasha, reported, “RSF members detained and sexually assaulted me. They later released me, but I could not find my children.”

Humanitarian organizations say thousands remain missing, and rescue operations are hampered by security risks. Caroline Bovard, Country Director of Solidarités International, said, “Communication with El-Fashir is completely cut off. Thousands are trapped in rural areas where we have not yet reached.”

The United Nations and other international agencies have called the situation the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis” and demanded the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors.