The El-Fasher Massacre: Unmasking the Atrocities of Sudan's RSF
Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of executions.
Fighters of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) boasted about their actions as they rode past rows of dead bodies, acknowledging the genocide they had executed. The recent massacre in El-Fasher, which resulted in an estimated 2,000 civilian deaths, has drawn international condemnation and ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity.
El-Fasher had become a pivotal battleground in the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese military, with the RSF targeting it as their last stronghold. The siege that ensued cut off civilian access to food and essential supplies, trapping the population in dire conditions. Satellite images confirmed the construction of a berm around the city, sealing it and restricting humanitarian aid.
A City Cut Off from the World
From August 2025, the RSF intensified their blockade of El-Fasher, leading to further civilian casualties from artillery strikes and direct attacks. Claims of war crimes continued as reports emerged detailing the RSF's systematic executions of unarmed civilians during their takeover.
Graphic Footage Shows Unarmed People Gunned Down
Upon seizing control of the city on October 26, RSF fighters filmed their conquest, revealing a horrifying scene where civilians were coldly executed. Videos depicting these atrocities began circulating rapidly on social media and through verification agencies, providing stark evidence of human rights violations.
Despite attempts at damage control led by RSF commanders, the global response has been one of outrage. The ongoing investigation reveals a pattern of violence aimed particularly at non-Arab groups in Sudan, reminiscent of the Janjaweed militia's history.
Witness accounts of the killings detailed horrific visions of loved ones being executed in cold blood, and satellite images corroborating these claims of mass graves only add to the credence of the atrocities. Meanwhile, efforts by RSF to reframe the narrative have been met with skepticism amid the damning evidence of their actions.
The RSF’s violent takeover of El-Fasher has not only ignited international scrutiny but has also reignited discussions surrounding the long-standing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and justice for victims of violence.
