General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has announced an investigation into reported violations by his soldiers during the recent capture of el-Fasher. This follows international attention on reports of mass civilian killings in the Darfur city. The UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the conflict. Observers note similar past promises for investigations by Hemedti were not reportedly fulfilled.
RSF Investigation and Statements
Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, declared an investigation into what he termed violations committed by his soldiers during the capture of el-Fasher. Hemedti expressed regret regarding events in el-Fasher and acknowledged violations by his forces, stating a committee has arrived in the city to investigate. This announcement follows reports of mass civilian killings after the RSF took control of el-Fasher on Sunday.
Previous commitments for investigations by Hemedti, following accusations related to el-Geneina in 2023 and alleged atrocities in Gezira, were reportedly not fulfilled. The RSF denies widespread allegations that the killings in el-Fasher are ethnically motivated or follow a pattern of targeting non-Arab populations.
International Response and Concerns
The UN Security Council is expected to hold a meeting on Sudan. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has noted reports of over 460 civilians, including patients and companions, being shot dead at a hospital in el-Fasher.
Activists have increased calls for international pressure on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is accused of providing military support to the RSF. The UAE denies these claims, while UN reports have presented information suggesting military support to the RSF.
Context of El-Fasher and Conflict Overview
El-Fasher, previously the army's last stronghold in western Darfur, was captured by the RSF after an 18-month siege reportedly marked by starvation and heavy bombardment. The capture of el-Fasher contributes to a geographic division in Sudan. The RSF now controls western Sudan and parts of Kordofan to the south, while the army holds the capital, Khartoum, and central and eastern regions along the Red Sea.
Sudan is in its third year of civil war between the army and the paramilitary fighters. The two forces were previously allies, having come to power together in a 2021 coup, but diverged over a plan to transition towards civilian rule.