Background on the Conflict in Darfur
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been ongoing for over two years. The RSF, led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), has been in a power struggle with the SAF, resulting in widespread violence and displacement.
Recent Developments
On October 26, the RSF claimed complete control of El Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese Army in West Darfur. This came after an 18-month siege. Following this takeover, the United Nations reported massacres, rapes, looting, and mass displacements in the region.
Satellite Images Indicate Mass Graves
Investigators from Yale University analyzed satellite images and found evidence “compatible with mass graves” in El Fasher. The images show signs of trenching and the disappearance of previously identified corpses near an old children’s hospital, which has been transformed into a detention center by the RSF, and close to a mosque.
The Laboratorio de Investigación Humanitaria (HRL) also reported that recent aerial data suggests “a massacre is taking place at the former children’s hospital site.” Furthermore, satellite images indicate “the removal of objects compatible with bodies” around the earthen barrier constructed by the RSF to besiege El Fasher.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 460 civilians and medical personnel were massacred in the maternity unit of a hospital in El Fasher, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, around the same time.
Impact and Ongoing Violence
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and SAF has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and nearly 12 million displaced people, according to the United Nations. Since El Fasher’s fall, violence has persisted in Darfur, with combat now primarily focused on Kordofán, a strategically important central region of Sudan. This area lies between the capital, Jartum (controlled by the military), and Darfur.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)? The RSF is a paramilitary group led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) that has been engaged in a power struggle with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
- What is the significance of El Fasher? El Fasher was the last stronghold of the SAF in West Darfur before it fell to the RSF on October 26, following an 18-month siege.
- What do the satellite images reveal? The images indicate evidence “compatible with mass graves” near an old children’s hospital, a mosque, and around an earthen barrier constructed by the RSF.
- What is the current situation in Darfur? Despite the fall of El Fasher, violence continues in Darfur. The main area of conflict has shifted to Kordofán, a strategically important central region of Sudan.
