Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of executions.
Fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have executed a number of unarmed people after capturing the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, as revealed in new videos analyzed by BBC Verify. The RSF has been engaged in a brutal war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for over two years, culminating in the seizure of a key military base in el-Fasher over the past weekend.
Reports indicate that several videos depicting violence have emerged, some featuring men in military fatigues that appear to have RSF insignia. The UN's Sudan coordinator has mentioned receiving credible reports of summary executions since the RSF's takeover of the city.
Responses from RSF officials, such as Imran Abdullah, have denied any intentions to target civilians. However, Denise Brown of the UN emphasized that executions of unarmed men could constitute war crimes under the Geneva Convention.
The ongoing conflict has caused over 150,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 12 million people since it began in 2023, triggered by the disintegration of the SAF and disagreements within the RSF.
Most videos analyzed by BBC Verify depict rural settings that are challenging to geolocate, yet some footage has been specifically tied to the university building in el-Fasher. One disturbing video, in which an unarmed man was shot while surrounded by deceased individuals, has surfaced, prompting further investigation.
Additional reports suggest that satellite images from el-Fasher showcase clusters of what appear to be human remains, which researchers attribute to execution events. Analysts from institutions such as Yale have shared that these findings coincide with the reports of mass killings detailed in human rights observations.
As international scrutiny of the RSF's practices increases, calls for accountability grow louder, with human rights lawyers and organizations reiterating the necessity for comprehensive investigations into these alleged war crimes.
