Sudanese Paramilitary assault leaves hundreds dead and displaces thousands

A brutal three-day attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, according to reports from human rights activists and government sources. The incident, which took place in villages south of Khartoum, marks another grim chapter in the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s warring factions.

A Devastating Assault on Civilians

The Emergency Lawyers network, a group documenting human rights violations throughout the war, reported that over 200 civilians were killed, with many more wounded or missing. However, Sudan’s foreign ministry, which is aligned with the army, claimed that the death toll was significantly higher, estimating at least 433 fatalities, including children.

The violence erupted in the villages of al-Kadaris and al-Khelwat, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Sudan’s capital. Witnesses recounted horrifying scenes of residents attempting to flee across the White Nile, only to be met with gunfire from RSF fighters. Many are feared to have drowned while trying to escape.

The United Nations confirmed reports of severe human rights violations during the attack. A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that “dozens of women were raped and hundreds of families were forced to flee their homes.”

For three days, RSF forces carried out systematic acts of violence, including summary executions, kidnappings, forced disappearances, and widespread looting. These tactics mirror a pattern of war crimes and atrocities that have been reported since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

A Conflict Marked by War Crimes and Humanitarian Catastrophe

The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Since then, both sides have been accused of war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, forced displacement, and sexual violence.

The RSF, in particular, faces accusations of genocide, especially for its actions in the Darfur region. The United States has condemned the group for allegedly targeting non-Arab minorities in western Sudan through mass killings and systematic sexual violence.

The conflict has led to an immense humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands killed and over 12 million displaced. According to the International Rescue Committee, the situation represents “the biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.” The war has devastated infrastructure, disrupted food supplies, and left millions of Sudanese civilians in desperate need of aid.

Struggle for Control in White Nile State

The White Nile State, a strategic region stretching from Khartoum to the South Sudanese border, remains a battleground between the opposing forces. The Sudanese army holds control over the southern part of the state, including its capital, Rabak, as well as key cities and a major military base. The RSF, however, has seized the northern areas, including the villages targeted in the recent attacks.

Efforts to assess the full scale of the massacre have been hindered by security risks. A medical source, speaking anonymously, reported that many bodies remain in the streets or inside homes, inaccessible due to ongoing violence. The lack of immediate access to medical aid and rescue teams has worsened the humanitarian crisis.

Escalating Violence Across Sudan

Fighting has intensified across the country as the Sudanese army attempts to reclaim full control of Khartoum. The capital has seen heavy clashes, particularly in the East Nile district, where both sides have been accused of targeting civilians.

Earlier this week, the Emergency Lawyers network condemned the army for carrying out “barbaric” attacks against civilians in east Khartoum. Reports suggest that individuals suspected of collaborating with the RSF have been subjected to executions, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions.

The crisis is especially dire for children, who face constant danger from gunfire, forced displacement, and abduction. UNICEF has warned that many children are being separated from their families, while others are victims of sexual violence. The UN’s human rights office has blamed the lack of accountability for the continued cycle of violence, stating that “entrenched impunity” has fueled mass human rights abuses across Sudan.

Calls for International Intervention

The worsening situation in Sudan has prompted renewed calls for international action. The UN has urged the expansion of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over Sudan and has recommended that the existing arms embargo, which currently applies only to the Darfur region, be extended to the entire country.

In Darfur, home to roughly a quarter of Sudan’s population, violence has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. The RSF has intensified its offensive in North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher, the last major city in the region still under army control. Reports from the area indicate mass killings and destruction, leaving civilians trapped in a state of terror.

As Sudan’s conflict deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to take action against war crimes and human rights violations. However, with both warring factions showing little regard for civilian lives, peace remains a distant hope for millions caught in the crossfire.