- *Targeted Village Attacks and Massacres in North Darfur*: The RSF militia has committed systematic war crimes in North Darfur, including the bombing of villages such as Bir Mezza, Hilla Abu Zakaria, and Khalwa A. These brutal attacks involved mass killings of civilians, widespread torture, looting, and the deliberate destruction of entire communities, leading to widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis.
- *The Defeatist Rhetoric of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti):* In his recent speeches, particularly after his militias failed to hand over Sudan to the UAE as agreed and execute Plan A, Hemedti has adopted rhetoric that reflects a sense of defeat. He has begun offering justifications for the atrocities committed by his militia while attempting to shift the blame to other parties, such as regional and international frameworks. This tone marks a sharp contrast from his earlier confidence, highlighting the setbacks his forces have faced.
- *The Criminal Role of Algoney Hamdan Dagalo and His Connection to the UAE:* AlGoney Hamdan Dagalo, the brother of Hemedti and the financial officer of the RSF, played a pivotal role in facilitating financial ties with the UAE. Due to his involvement in financing the militia’s military and criminal activities, Algoney has been sanctioned by the US government. His role in channelling funds from the UAE to support the RSF has been crucial in maintaining the militia’s operational capabilities.
- *The UAE’s Direct Role in Destroying Sudan:* The UAE has provided extensive financial and logistical support to the RSF, contributing to the death and displacement of thousands of Sudanese civilians and the commission of war crimes. This support has allowed the RSF to plunder Sudan’s resources, such as gold, as part of the UAE’s broader geopolitical agenda. However, this plan is destined to collapse under its own contradictions.
- *Systematic Destruction of Infrastructure and Civilian Targets in Sudan:* With the backing of the UAE, the RSF systematically targeted residential areas and vital infrastructure across Sudan, including Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan, al-Gezira, and Sennar. The militia has looted properties, stolen humanitarian aid, and occupied citizens’ homes, leaving a trail of destruction. This article details the devastation that these areas have suffered, revealing the calculated nature of the RSF’s attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
- *Execution of Prisoners:* The RSF has committed numerous war crimes, including the confirmed execution of two captured soldiers from the joint forces after they surrendered. This is a blatant violation of international law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. The RSF’s brutality is further demonstrated by videos showing their execution of civilians and soldiers alike, reinforcing their image as a terrorist militia.
- *The Use of Mercenaries and External Funding:* The RSF has also relied on mercenaries from the Central African Republic, funded by the UAE. This influx of foreign fighters has led to an escalation of violence and the commission of heinous crimes against civilians, particularly in Darfur and other regions of Sudan. The external financing and the hiring of mercenaries have intensified the conflict, contributing to a cycle of violence that has left thousands dead and displaced.
- *Urgent Accountability for the RSF and UAE:* The failure to hold the RSF and the UAE accountable for the atrocities they have committed prolongs the violence in Sudan, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The absence of accountability has effectively given these parties a green light to continue their crimes under the protection of international complicity. This complicity, involving both regional and global powers, allows the RSF and the UAE to present themselves as defenders of the Sudanese people, despite being the primary perpetrators of their suffering. This further emboldens them to continue their campaign of destruction under the false guise of legitimacy.
*Introduction*
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal war led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which has turned into a weapon of mass destruction against the Sudanese people. This militia, which has not hesitated to commit genocide and ethnic cleansing against defenceless civilians, has received direct financial and military support from the UAE, making the UAE a key partner in these heinous crimes. The UAE has turned Sudan into a battleground for its geopolitical ambitions, using the RSF as a tool to destroy Sudanese cities and kill and displace millions. The weapons and advanced technologies provided by the UAE, such as drones, have directly contributed to the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, leading to an unprecedented deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
This article reveals the criminal role played by the RSF, supported by the clear complicity of the UAE, in the destruction of Sudan and the extermination of its people. Reliable reports from Human Rights Watch and the UN Panel of Experts document gross violations, where the RSF has used brutal tactics including the bombing of hospitals, execution of civilians based on ethnicity, and the occupation of homes of displaced people. The UAE’s support for the RSF is part of a dirty scheme aimed at Sudan and its people, requiring a strong international stance to condemn and stop this criminal involvement.
*War Crimes in North Darfur: Villages Bombed and Destroyed by the RSF*
In a severe escalation of violence, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched brutal attacks on several villages in North Darfur, deploying heavy weaponry, machine guns, and snipers to target civilian populations. The attacks struck areas including Bir Mezza, Buraydik, Donkey Baashim, and Drayshgi, resulting in hundreds of casualties, both killed and injured. Survivors were subjected to torture, looting, and the destruction of property, with entire villages set ablaze. Villages such as Hilla Abu Zakaria, Hilla Abu Musa, Khalwa A, and Khalwa B were completely destroyed. These acts of violence reflect a systematic approach by the RSF to target civilians and decimate the infrastructure of these villages in North Darfur.
*Systematic Violations Against Civilians: Torture and Looting in Darfur*
The RSF continues its violent campaign under a near-complete media blackout, raising concerns of potential massacres similar to those witnessed in West Darfur. The recent attacks involved the brutal torture of civilians, widespread looting, and the deliberate burning of homes, demonstrating a calculated effort to terrorise the local population. These crimes are not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing and targeted assault on civilians, aimed at forcing the displacement of residents from their villages and homes through violence and fear.
*Khartoum: The Epicentre of Residential and Infrastructure Attacks*
The Sudanese capital, Khartoum, has been subjected to repeated waves of random shelling targeting residential areas, markets, and health facilities. This bombardment has caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. Hospitals have been forced to close due to the attacks, leaving patients and the wounded without care. The population now faces a severe shortage of basic necessities amidst an escalating humanitarian crisis. In Khartoum’s three main districts—Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman—atrocities committed by the RSF have included systematic targeting of residential areas and critical infrastructure, making life unbearable for civilians.
Khartoum District has witnessed widespread attacks on residential neighbourhoods such as Al-Amarat, Al-Riyadh, Al-Manshiya, Kalakla, the Arab Market, and its surroundings. The RSF has bombed homes directly, causing extensive destruction and forcing thousands of civilians to flee. The attacks have not been confined to residential areas but have also targeted essential facilities, including Khartoum Teaching Hospital, which was forced to cease operations due to repeated bombings.
In Bahri, neighbourhoods such as Shambat, Al-Halfaya, Al-Droshab, and Kafouri have been subjected to both shelling and looting by the RSF. Widespread looting of homes and shops has taken place, and food warehouses have been destroyed, deepening the starvation crisis among residents. This strategic area that connects Khartoum to much of the country has become a scene of mass murder and civilian terror, with reports documenting the RSF’s execution of unarmed civilians.
In Omdurman, the third of the capital’s major cities, the atrocities have been equally horrifying. Neighbourhoods such as Al-Muhandiseen, Beit Al-Mal, Al-Fitihab, and Al-Thawrat have been attacked, with homes being destroyed and looted, and schools and hospitals targeted. Omdurman Teaching Hospital was hit by direct shelling, killing and injuring dozens of patients and medical staff in blatant violation of international law. In the Um Bada district, civilians were targeted by random shelling and mass displacement, with streets filled with corpses and burned homes.
These atrocities show that the RSF’s focus was not merely on defeating the Sudanese Armed Forces but rather on a systematic approach to destroy infrastructure and displace as many civilians as possible in Khartoum as part of a larger plan to subjugate the population and instil fear. These crimes require international documentation and accountability for the leaders of the RSF and their supporters, especially the UAE, which continues to provide financial and military aid to this terrorist militia.
*The Role of Foreign Mercenaries in the Conflict*
According to the UN Panel of Experts, the RSF has used the Central African Republic as a recruiting ground for mercenaries. These foreign fighters have contributed to the increased brutality of the attacks on civilians, including mass executions and indiscriminate bombings, further escalating the violence in Khartoum and other areas.
*Ethnic Cleansing and Massacres in Geneina, West Darfur*
In West Darfur’s capital, Geneina, the RSF and allied Janjaweed militias have committed a series of crimes that rise to the level of war crimes. The heavily populated areas, particularly those inhabited by the Masalit ethnic group, have been targeted with genocide and systematic ethnic cleansing. RSF forces have massacred civilians based on their ethnicity, destroyed healthcare infrastructure, and attacked makeshift medical clinics. Schools and hospitals have been deliberately bombed, leading to the complete collapse of civil society in the region and forcing the population to flee.
Neighbouring areas such as Misterei, Morni, Forbranga, and Kritting have also witnessed horrific crimes at the hands of the Janjaweed. Ethnic cleansing has been a central part of these attacks, where certain villages and residential areas were specifically targeted based on the ethnic backgrounds of their inhabitants. The tactics used include the bombing of homes and markets, as well as the mass killing of men, women, and children. Human rights organisations have documented these atrocities, and they form part of a larger campaign to forcibly displace local populations.
*War Crimes in ElFashir, North Darfur*
In the city of ElFashir, capital of North Darfur, the RSF has launched repeated attacks, targeting residential neighbourhoods and crowded areas. Notable districts that have suffered include Hay al-Qadi, Hay Tambasi, and Hay al-Wahda al-Thawra, where homes, markets, and essential facilities have been bombed. The indiscriminate nature of the shelling has led to the displacement of thousands of residents and the destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
*Brutality in Nyala*
Nyala has experienced systematic shelling that has targeted residential neighbourhoods and critical infrastructure, causing hundreds of casualties. These attacks have affected not only Sudanese citizens but also the mercenaries employed by the RSF, further worsening the humanitarian catastrophe.
*al-Gezira and Sennar: RSF Crimes and the Plight of Civilians*
In the al-Gezira and Sennar states, the RSF expanded its attacks beyond the capital, reaching the central regions of Sudan. al-Gezira, one of Sudan’s most important agricultural areas, was targeted by the RSF militia, which attacked farmers and rural villages. Districts such as Greater Madani and Al-Hasahisa were looted, with the RSF confiscating crops and burning farms. This led to severe food shortages and worsened the humanitarian crisis, as residents depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. Repeated attacks on vital infrastructure brought local trade to a standstill, increasing the suffering of citizens.
In Sennar State, villages such as Singa and Suki have experienced horrific violence. The RSF targeted markets and vital facilities, looting both private and public property. In the city of Sennar itself, civilians faced murder and intimidation as the RSF blocked roads, looted shops, and assaulted defenceless citizens. The militia also employed starvation tactics, cutting off food and water supplies and forcing many families to flee their homes.
*Kordofan: Scenes of Destruction in South and West Kordofan*
South and West Kordofan have been on the frontlines of the RSF’s violent campaign, with both regions witnessing severe crimes against humanity. In Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, residential areas were subjected to intense artillery bombardment by the RSF, which directly targeted civilians and vital facilities. The shelling led to the destruction of homes and hospitals, including the Kadugli Teaching Hospital, where many patients and the injured perished. Local markets were looted, leading to a severe economic crisis in the region.
In West Kordofan, the city of Fula also endured widespread destruction. Several residential neighbourhoods were devastated, and civilians faced systematic violence. The RSF committed field executions and looted properties, forcing rural populations to flee. Villages like Debeb and Abu Zabad were also subject to brutal attacks, where the militia employed scorched-earth tactics, destroying farmland and homes and displacing thousands of people.
*El Obeid: Continuous Shelling and Widespread Destruction*
El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, has faced continuous shelling from the RSF, turning the city into an open battlefield where every aspect of civilian life has been affected. El Obeid is one of Sudan’s most important cities due to its strategic location and commercial significance. However, it has been heavily targeted by the RSF, which left no part of the city untouched. Vital facilities, including the El Obeid Teaching Hospital and the El Obeid Insurance Hospital, were hit by artillery fire, causing the closure of medical services and depriving residents of essential healthcare amidst the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The RSF also targeted the city’s main markets, such as the Grand Market of El Obeid, where shops were looted and properties destroyed, leading to the collapse of local commerce and exacerbating the economic crisis for the population. Neighbourhoods such as Quba and Sinaat were bombed indiscriminately, forcing families to flee in search of safety. The militia carried out widespread looting of civilian homes and businesses, aiming to empty the city of its residents and establish control.
Through these actions, the RSF seeks to forcibly displace the population of El Obeid to impose its dominance over the city, using scorched-earth tactics to destroy infrastructure and spread chaos and fear among the civilians. The destruction of essential facilities, such as water and electricity stations, has made life nearly impossible for the residents, who now face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
*The Execution of Prisoners by the RSF*
The RSF has continued to commit serious violations against prisoners of war. Recent reports confirm that the militia executed two captured soldiers from the joint armed movements after they surrendered and handed over their weapons far from the battlefield. The horrific act was documented with photos and videos showing the soldiers being shot dead after a recent battle in which the two soldiers were injured. This brutal execution is a flagrant violation of international laws and humanitarian principles that protect the rights of prisoners of war, reflecting the RSF’s moral decay.
These executions are clear war crimes and add to the growing list of daily atrocities committed by the RSF in all areas under their control. The joint forces are urging the international community and human rights organisations to document these crimes and bring the leaders of the RSF to justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
*Targeting Hospitals by the RSF*
The RSF has been systematically targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities across Sudan, in gross violation of international humanitarian law. Among the hospitals attacked is Al-Naw Hospital in Omdurman, which was heavily damaged by artillery fire, leading to a complete shutdown of medical services and the interruption of patient care. Similarly, several hospitals in Fashir, North Darfur, including Fashir Teaching Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Insurance Hospital, were bombed, destroying large parts of these facilities and depriving thousands of civilians of basic medical care.
The ongoing RSF attacks on medical facilities, supported by the UAE, have deepened the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, putting the lives of civilians at risk. These brutal assaults not only violate international law but also show a complete disregard for ethical and humanitarian standards, calling for urgent international action to stop these crimes and hold those responsible accountable.
*The RSF’s Looting and Demographic Changes*
In addition to the use of starvation tactics, the RSF has committed a series of violations aimed at changing the demographic makeup of the areas they control, particularly in Darfur and Khartoum. The militia has occupied the homes of citizens who were forcibly displaced by the bombings and brutal crimes they committed, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee. After displacing these civilians, the RSF brought in members of their own groups and mercenaries from outside Sudan to settle in the homes they had stolen from their original owners, in an attempt to impose a new demographic reality that serves their interests.
The seizure of these homes was not an isolated or individual act but rather part of a broader plan to control populated areas and alter their demographic composition. In some cases, the militia used these homes as military bases or logistical centres, while in other cases, they resettled the families of mercenaries and fighters linked to them in areas where the original inhabitants had been driven out, strengthening the RSF’s grip on the territories they occupied.
*Starvation as a Weapon: Looting Supplies and Besieging Cities*
The RSF has employed starvation as a weapon, looting food supplies and besieging cities. These tactics go beyond the destruction of infrastructure and have extended to blocking humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. By bombing aid depots and critical facilities, the RSF has left civilians without shelter or food.
*Exposing the Misuse of Humanitarian Corridors*
In recent months, the Adre Corridor, which was opened to deliver humanitarian aid, has been turned into a channel for supplying the RSF with fuel and weapons. Reports have revealed that the UAE and other regional partners are involved in this operation, further exacerbating the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur.
*Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo’s Speech: A Disorganised Attack and Justification for Crimes*
On 9 October 2024, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the RSF, gave a violent and incoherent speech in which he sought to justify his militia’s failure in the war against the Sudanese army by attacking the framework agreement, which he blamed for the outbreak of the conflict. He also claimed that Egyptian warplanes had bombed RSF positions, prompting him to directly accuse Egypt of involvement. However, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry denied these allegations, stating that Egypt had not participated in any military operations against Dagalo or his forces.
Justifying Atrocities and Ignoring Facts: Dagalo attempted to use his speech to portray his militias as a force resisting oppression, ignoring the horrific crimes the RSF has committed against civilians. Human rights reports have clearly documented the RSF’s war crimes and genocide in regions such as Darfur. These crimes include mass rape, random killings, and widespread looting, which have drawn widespread international condemnation. Nevertheless, Dagalo sought to deflect these accusations by focusing on grievances and claiming that his militias were facing direct international coalitions aimed at destroying them.
*The UAE’s Role in the War*
In his latest speech, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo did not directly mention the UAE’s role in the war, but he hinted at the international pressure his militias were under without naming the parties involved in supporting him. However, numerous reports indicate that the UAE has been heavily involved in providing financial and logistical support to the RSF over the years. This support has played a crucial role in enabling the militia to conduct its military operations, which have led to the death and displacement of thousands of Sudanese civilians. The UAE is believed to have supported Dagalo in a bid to strengthen its regional influence in Sudan, particularly in resource-rich areas such as gold. The UAE’s collusion with the RSF is not new, as military and economic ties between the two have existed for a long time, with the UAE supplying vital resources that have allowed the RSF to continue fighting despite widespread international condemnation. However, Dagalo avoided addressing this support, opting instead to portray his forces as victims of international political and military pressure.
*US Sanctions on Algoney Hamdan Dagalo*
The United States recently imposed sanctions on Algoney Hamdan Dagalo, a key figure in the RSF and brother of its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). Algoney is considered the primary financial officer of the militia, managing a complex network of financial relationships that fuel the RSF’s activities. The US Treasury Department’s sanctions include freezing Algoney’s assets and prohibiting US companies and individuals from doing business with him, as part of international pressure on the militia to end its continuous violations in Sudan. He is also accused by the US of playing a critical role in securing the flow of arms to the RSF, contributing to the continuation of the conflict and the escalation of violence against civilians.
*Algoney’s Role in Facilitating Financial Relations with the UAE*
Algoney Hamdan Dagalo is the main financial intermediary between the RSF and the UAE, facilitating significant financial flows to the militia through complex networks that link Emirati companies to the militia’s commercial activities. These funds are believed to be used to finance the RSF’s military operations and to purchase weapons and ammunition, strengthening the militia’s position in its war against the Sudanese armed forces and innocent civilians. The US sanctions aim to isolate Algoney financially and weaken the financial channels the RSF relies on to fund its campaigns of oppression and ongoing crimes in Sudan.
*RSF Delegation’s Presence at the So-Called Peace Summit in South Africa*
In a puzzling move, Algoney Hamdan Dagalo is currently part of the RSF delegation participating in the peace summit in South Africa, even as the militia continues to commit war crimes against civilians in Sudan. This participation comes amid increasing international sanctions and pressure on the RSF to halt its violence. Algoney’s presence at the summit is seen as an attempt by the RSF to polish its international image and gain political support at a time when it is facing accusations of gross human rights violations, further complicating peace efforts in Sudan.
*Exposing the International Deception and Whitewashing of RSF Crimes*
The international community’s dubious cooperation with the RSF has worsened Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. This has been exemplified by the deliberate misuse of humanitarian corridors to supply the RSF with weapons and fuel, as shown in new video footage of the Adre Corridor being used for fuel transport. This logistical support enables the militia to commit further atrocities in Darfur and other areas.
*Whitewashing Crimes Through Political Declarations*
These atrocities are occurring even as some political figures, such as a member of the executive committee of the “a collective of Sudanese politicians, Taqaddum” attempt to whitewash the RSF’s crimes by making misleading statements about how the militia treats citizens. Attempts to portray life in RSF-controlled areas as peaceful sharply contrast with the grim reality on the ground, where genocide and war crimes continue unabated.
*The UAE and the Recruitment of Mercenaries: Regional Intervention and Its Aims*
According to the UN Panel of Experts, the RSF has been using the Central African Republic as a recruitment hub for mercenaries and as a source of weapons. The flow of fighters from this region has only added fuel to the fire, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in both Sudan and the Central African Republic. The UAE, which is accused of arming and funding the RSF, is directly implicated in facilitating the continuation of genocide and the destruction of Sudanese communities.
*The UAE in Sudan: Strings of Chaos and Crimes Under the Guise of Humanitarian Aid*
While the UAE presents itself as a humanitarian benefactor to Sudan by delivering humanitarian aid, the reality is far more sinister. Reports have revealed that the UAE uses this false humanitarian cover to transport weapons and logistical support to the RSF, contributing to the continued chaos in Sudan. Press reports, including from the New York Times, have shown how the UAE supplies military technology and financial backing that enables the RSF to carry out attacks against civilians.
*A Proxy War and Geopolitical Ambitions*
The UAE’s strategy of using the RSF as a proxy force reflects its geopolitical ambitions in Sudan. By supporting this militia, the UAE can exert influence without direct military intervention, enhancing its regional power. International reports suggest that this support includes the provision of drones used to target civilians and destroy infrastructure, leading to the displacement of millions and worsening the humanitarian disaster.
*The Military-Industrial Complex: Drones and Weapons*
The UAE has been supplying the RSF with advanced military technology, including drones manufactured in China. These drones are used for reconnaissance and targeting, directly contributing to the escalation of violence against civilians. The UAE’s backing of these crimes is a clear indicator of its direct complicity in the genocide being perpetrated.
*The Urgent Need for International Action: Sanctions and Accountability*
The Darfur Union in the UK calls on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to stop the war crimes being committed by the RSF and its supporting states, particularly the UAE. It is essential to impose comprehensive sanctions on those involved, especially the UAE, and to halt the supply of arms to this militia.
*International Action Recommendations*
- Comprehensive Sanctions: International sanctions must be imposed on the RSF and its supporters, including a ban on arms supplies to Sudan.
- Creation of Safe Corridors: To ensure civilian protection, safe humanitarian corridors must be established to allow displaced people access to relief and aid.
- Increase Humanitarian Aid: Efforts must be intensified to provide food, medicine, and shelter to affected areas.
- Accountability for Perpetrators: Support investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and ensure that all involved in committing crimes against humanity are brought to justice. Strict sanctions must be imposed on both the RSF and the UAE for their war crimes, genocide, and the forced displacement of millions, alongside the destruction of the country. Failing to do so would make the international community complicit in the destruction of Sudan and the massacre of its people.
- Regional Cooperation: Strengthen collaboration between Sudan and neighbouring countries to combat the recruitment of mercenaries and ensure the region’s stability.
*Conclusion*
What is happening in Sudan is not merely an internal conflict between warring factions but a systematic destruction of an entire people at the hands of the RSF, backed by the UAE. The criminal role played by this militia, with financial and logistical aid from regional powers such as the UAE, is exacerbating the humanitarian disaster and pushing the country to the brink. The atrocities being committed in Sudan cannot be separated from the UAE’s dubious involvement, as it uses the RSF as a tool to achieve its geopolitical ambitions in the region, disregarding the Sudanese people’s right to life and dignity.
Without stringent international sanctions on the UAE and the RSF, and a halt to the flow of weapons and financial support, the atrocities will continue unchecked. Those responsible for this genocide must be brought to justice at international courts. Sudan requires immediate international intervention to stop the bloodshed and bring the perpetrators to account. Without strong action, the RSF will continue its horrific crimes, leaving innocent civilians to suffer and die.
Darfur Union in the UK
Website: https://darfurunionuk.wordpress.com
Email: darfurunionintheuk@gmail.com
X (formerly Twitter) handle: @darfurunionuk
Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/darfurunionuk
Instagram:- https://instagram.com/darfurunionuk?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==