Mass killings of non-Arab civilians in Sudan's El-Fasher point to 'genocide', UN report says
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 19, 2026
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A new UN report reveals alarming evidence of mass killings and atrocities committed by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, Darfur, showing hallmarks of genocide. The paramilitary group, at war with Sudan's military, carried out a systematic campaign of destruction against non-Arab communities, particularly the Zaghawa and Fur peoples, after capturing the city in October 2023. UN officials estimate that thousands of civilians were killed during the RSF takeover, with only 40% of El-Fasher's residents managing to flee alive.
The report highlights a calculated strategy by the RSF to impose conditions aimed at the physical destruction of these communities, including mass killings, sexual violence, torture, and abductions for ransom. These actions align with three out of the five criteria outlined in the Genocide Convention: killing members of a group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group.
The conflict in Sudan escalated in April 2023 after tensions between the military and RSF broke out in Khartoum and spread to Darfur. Since then, over 40,000 people have been killed, according to UN figures, though aid groups believe the actual number is much higher. The UN report underscores that these atrocities are not random acts of war but part of a planned operation targeting specific ethnic groups.
The findings raise critical concerns about the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and the potential for genocide. Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the UN fact-finding team, emphasized that the RSF's actions were systematic and organized, with public statements explicitly calling for the elimination of non-Arab communities. This report adds weight to international calls for accountability and underscores the urgent need for intervention to prevent further destruction.
The situation in El-Fasher is a stark reminder of the global community's responsibility to protect vulnerable populations from mass atrocities. As the conflict continues to escalate, the world must act swiftly to address this preventable human rights catastrophe.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026