Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of killing nearly 300 civilians in a series of violent attacks across villages in North Kordofan state, according to Sudanese human rights activists.
The RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal civil war against the Sudanese army since April 2023, reportedly launched a series of coordinated raids on Saturday in areas surrounding the city of Bara, a key RSF stronghold.
Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese human rights group, reported that over 200 civilians were killed in the village of Shag Alnom alone, either shot or burned alive during arson attacks. In nearby villages, looting raids led to the deaths of 38 more civilians, while dozens remain unaccounted for.
On Sunday, the violence continued as RSF fighters attacked the village of Hilat Hamid, where 46 people were killed, including pregnant women and children, according to the group’s statement. The United Nations estimates that over 3,400 people have been displaced as a result of the weekend’s assaults.
“It has been proven that these targeted villages were empty of any military objectives,” Emergency Lawyers stated. “This makes clear the criminal nature of these crimes, carried out in complete disregard of international humanitarian law.” The organisation placed direct responsibility on RSF leadership.
RSF accuses U.S., others of committing war crimes
The RSF has previously been accused by the United States and international human rights organisations of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide. The group’s forces have been linked to widespread looting and systematic violence in areas under their control.
While the Sudanese army maintains control over the central and eastern parts of the country, the RSF has tightened its grip on western regions, including North Kordofan, as it continues efforts to consolidate its power.
The RSF leadership has issued statements asserting that individuals responsible for violations will be brought to justice, though critics remain sceptical.
The ongoing civil war has plunged Sudan into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Over half of the population is facing hunger, while diseases such as cholera spread rapidly due to displacement and the collapse of health systems. Global reductions in aid funding have further strained an already fragile humanitarian response.
