The UN Special Adviser on genocide prevention has raised alarm over reports of widespread war crimes in Sudan’s El Fasher, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia took control of the Darfuri capital after more than 500 days of siege. Chaloka Beyani, who recently assumed the role of Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for the Prevention of Genocide, called the alleged attacks “massive violations of international human rights law” and emphasized that civilians have been the primary targets.
Mr. Beyani said he has consulted with UN Resident Coordinator Denise Brown and plans to issue an advisory to Secretary-General António Guterres, the Security Council, and the broader UN system. “Once our office sounds the alarm, it signals that the threshold for atrocity crimes is close to being crossed, and early action is required,” he said.
Graphic reports and videos circulating online depict apparent killings, rapes, and other atrocities by RSF fighters. While risk indicators for atrocity crimes are present, Beyani stressed that only an international court or other legal body can formally determine whether genocide has occurred. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is actively investigating alleged war crimes in Sudan since April 2023 and is taking steps to preserve evidence for future prosecutions.
Amid international pressure, the RSF reportedly agreed to a “humanitarian ceasefire” proposed by mediators from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The UN is also warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis in North Darfur, where thousands of displaced families from El Fasher are living in extremely harsh conditions. Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq reported that many lack food, clean water, shelter, and medical care. Aid agencies are working with local partners to establish new camps, adding to the more than 650,000 people already in Tawila.
In Tawila Al Omda, over 3,000 recent arrivals urgently need plastic sheeting, mats, and blankets as temperatures drop, while many—including injured individuals, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied children—sleep outdoors. Similar conditions affect more than 6,500 people in Daba Al Naira and Um Jangour camps.
