UN, Aid agencies sound alarm as RSF accused of Ethnic killings and looting in El Fasher

The Sudan Doctors Network (SDN) has accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of conducting ethnically motivated killings and looting medical facilities in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as the RSF intensifies its offensive to seize full control of the city.

In a statement released this morning, the medical organization said RSF fighters “committed a heinous massacre”, killing unarmed civilians “on ethnic grounds” in what it described as “an act of ethnic cleansing.”

“The number of victims exceeds dozens,” the statement said, adding that SDN field teams were struggling to reach affected areas due to a “complete security collapse” in the city.

The RSF announced it had captured El Fasher, sharing footage on social media showing its fighters celebrating what they described as the seizure of the city from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

The fall of the 6th Division Headquarters in El Fasher marked a major setback for the Sudanese army, as it was its last stronghold in the Darfur region — effectively giving the RSF control over the area.

The United Nations Humanitarian Chief, Tom Fletcher, expressed deep concern over reports of widespread civilian casualties and forced displacement.

“I am deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties and forced displacement,” Fletcher said in a statement. “Hundreds of thousands of residents remain trapped without access to food, healthcare, or safe escape routes.”

Fletcher warned that civilians are “terrified and starving,” as intensified fighting has prevented aid organizations from reaching those in need.

“Safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be allowed to reach all civilians in need,” he urged. “We have lifesaving supplies ready, but intensified attacks have made it impossible for us to get aid in. Local humanitarian workers continue to save lives under fire.”

U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos also released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) urging the RSF to act responsibly.

“As fighting intensifies in El Fasher and more civilians seek safety from the violence, the RSF must act now to protect civilians and prevent further suffering,” the statement said. “We call on RSF leaders to issue and publicly communicate clear orders to their forces to ensure the safety of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and aid operations. Humanitarian corridors must be opened immediately to allow civilians to reach areas of safety.” Boulus added, “The world is watching El Fasher and the RSF’s actions with deep concern.”

The renewed developments have alarmed humanitarian organizations, international partners, and local aid workers, who warn of grave human rights violations and potential atrocities. These concerns draw from previous incidents of humanitarian and war crimes committed by both the RSF and the SAF, which have come to define Sudan’s ongoing civil war — a conflict that has displaced millions and pushed large parts of the country to the brink of starvation and famine.