Villagers Executed Illegally in Sudan: Activists Speak Out Against Brutality

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is facing allegations of executing, kidnapping, disappearing individuals forcefully, and looting property from more than 200 unarmed civilians over the last three days. This took place in al-Kadaris and al-Khelwat villages toward the north of White Nile state where military forces have no presence.

The Emergency Lawyers network reported these events after RSF fighters allegedly carried out gruesome acts within civilian areas that were previously controlled by armed groups, but not by the Sudanese army. The RSF, which was allied with the military before a civil war erupted in April 2023 due to differences over an internationally backed plan for transitional democratic governance, has remained silent on these claims.

Some senior RSF leaders are expected to declare plans for forming their own government within regions still under their control. Analysts warn that this move may deepen the ongoing divisions in Sudan.

The conflict between the military and RSF is rooted in a rift between de facto ruler Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, army chief, and his deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo who leads the RSF. After initial gains by both sides during the coup that brought them to power together in April 2023, recent setbacks have led to renewed tension.

RSF’s plans for a rival government come after its recent military defeat when Sudanese army regained control of parts of Khartoum and key regions like Gezira state. These areas were once under RSFs command. Despite the losses, the group is planning to establish their own administration in territories it controls mainly in Darfur and some parts of Kordofan.

Gen Burhan has categorically rejected this move, vowing to retake control of Khartoum entirely. He relocated from there months ago after the RSF seized military headquarters and presidential palace following the outbreak of civil war.