RSF faces international outrage after deadly attacks in Kordofan

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are facing mounting global condemnation following a series of deadly attacks on civilians, humanitarian operations, and medical facilities in North and South Kordofan.

The condemnations come after reported RSF attacks on a World Food Programme (WFP) aid convoy, a civilian bus transporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), and Al-Kuweik Hospital. The incidents have resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries, further deepening international concern over violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

In one of the deadliest incidents, at least 24 civilians were killed, including eight women and children, when RSF fighters attacked a bus transporting IDPs from the Dubeiker area to Al-Rahad in North Kordofan. The passengers were reportedly fleeing violence when their vehicle came under attack.

Separately, one person was killed and three others injured when RSF forces attacked a United Nations aid convoy operated by the World Food Programme. The convoy was delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations amid worsening food insecurity.

In another attack, RSF forces reportedly bombed Al-Kuweik Hospital, killing 22 people, including four medical staff, and injuring eight others. The strike added to a growing list of assaults on health facilities across Sudan.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the attacks, warning that Sudan’s already fragile health system is under sustained assault.

“Sudan’s health system is under attack again. This week alone, three health facilities were attacked in South Kordofan, in a region already suffering acute malnutrition,” the WHO chief said, adding “the whole world should get behind Sudan’s peace initiative to end violence, protect the people, and rebuild the health system. The best medicine is peace.”

The European Union also issued a strong condemnation. The EU Head of Delegation to the Republic of Sudan described the attacks as serious crimes under international law.

“The attacks by the RSF on the WFP aid convoy, the IDP bus, and Al-Kuweik Hospital constitute blatant and grave violations of all humanitarian norms and international law,” the EU official said. “They will not go unpunished. International accountability is forthcoming.”

A growing number of countries and international bodies have condemned the RSF’s actions, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, and Qatar. Saudi Arabia, which has previously played a mediating role in Sudan, adopted a notably stronger tone in its latest statement.

Somalia also joined the list of condemning states, issuing a statement denouncing the attacks.

“The Federal Republic of Somalia condemns in the strongest terms the criminal attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces against civilian facilities and relief convoys of the World Food Programme in the states of North and South Kordofan,” the statement said. “These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and constitute flagrant and grave violations of international humanitarian law and all relevant international norms and conventions.”

As international outrage grows, the Rapid Support Forces are also facing increasing diplomatic and economic pressure, including sanctions targeting their leadership. Over the past year, several of the RSF’s top commanders have been sanctioned by international actors over alleged war crimes, human rights abuses, and attacks on civilians. The European Union recently announced a new batch of sanctions against RSF commanders, citing their direct responsibility for violence against civilians, humanitarian workers, and critical infrastructure. These measures include asset freezes and travel bans, adding to existing sanctions imposed by other international actors including Washington.