The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, issued a strong condemnation on Friday against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their relentless attacks on civilians in El Fasher, Sudan. This statement came in the wake of reports detailing the death and injury of numerous civilians, exacerbated by the paramilitary group's actions.

Türk highlighted the persistent failure of the RSF to adhere to international calls for the protection of civilians, criticizing their actions for causing death, injury, and displacement instead. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the recent killing of at least 53 people, including women and children, in North Darfur’s capital by RSF forces. The ongoing siege has left hundreds of families trapped, battling starvation, disease, and continuous attacks.

In his plea, Türk referenced the conviction of Ali Kushayb by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, urging the RSF to learn from such legal precedents. He warned of the potential for mass atrocities against civilians if the current conditions persist, noting that deliberate mass starvation could qualify as genocide under international law if found to be systematic and intentional.

The backdrop of the conflict in Darfur, which began in 2003, features a complex tapestry of ethnic tensions and historical grievances. Originating from disputes over political marginalization by the Sudanese government against non-Arab ethnic groups, the conflict escalated when two rebel groups took up arms. The government’s response, notoriously led by then-President Omar al-Bashir, was marked by severe human rights violations facilitated by the Janjaweed militia, later rebranded as the RSF in 2013.

Since its establishment, the RSF has grown into a formidable force within Sudan, operating with significant autonomy yet still linked to the national army. This structure has allowed it to wield considerable power, often at the expense of civilian safety and stability in the region.

The international community, represented by voices like Türk’s, continues to call for urgent measures to protect civilians and prevent further escalation of violence in a region long tormented by conflict and strife. The hope remains that international condemnation and legal accountability may prompt a reconsideration of tactics by the RSF, leading to a decrease in civilian casualties and a move towards peace and reconciliation in Sudan.