A United Nations fact-finding mission has raised fresh concerns over the conflict in Sudan, saying new evidence indicates that atrocities committed during the war, particularly in North Darfur, display further “markers of genocide.”
The findings were presented in Geneva during the latest report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, which accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups of carrying out widespread and systematic attacks against civilians.
According to the report, investigators found additional evidence linking large-scale killings, widespread sexual violence, forced displacement, abductions and the deliberate blocking of humanitarian assistance to an organised campaign targeting non-Arab communities in and around El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
The mission said the latest findings reinforce conclusions reached earlier this year that the pattern of violence bears the hallmarks of genocide. Investigators also noted that starvation was allegedly used as a weapon of war, while civilians continued to face indiscriminate attacks and severe human rights abuses.
The report further stated that Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) were also responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law, including indiscriminate aerial bombardments in populated areas, arbitrary detention, torture and attacks affecting civilians. The mission stressed that abuses have been committed by both sides since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
Mission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman called for urgent international action to halt the violence and ensure accountability.
“The suffering of civilians in Sudan continues unabated.”
“The international community must act urgently to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities.”
The investigators urged all parties to immediately end attacks on civilians, allow unrestricted humanitarian access and cooperate with efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
The report warned that continuing impunity could lead to further escalation of atrocities if decisive international measures are not taken. It also renewed calls for stronger enforcement of the existing arms embargo on Darfur and for greater protection of civilians trapped in conflict zones.
Sudan has remained engulfed in conflict since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti. The war has displaced millions of people, triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and fuelled growing international concern over alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
