Sudan’s RSF arrests fighters accused of abuses in Al Fasher amid global outrage

In a significant development amid escalating global condemnation, Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the arrest of several of its fighters accused of committing human rights abuses during the capture of Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Among those detained is Abu Lulu, a figure identified in multiple execution videos circulating on social media platforms like TikTok. The RSF stated that the arrests were made in response to ‘violations that occurred during the liberation’ of the city. Al Fasher, home to approximately 300,000 people, has been described by the United Nations as an ‘epicentre of child suffering,’ with reports of intensified bombardment, artillery fire, drone strikes, and ground incursions by the RSF. The conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s regular army, which began in April 2023, has seen Al Fasher become the latest focal point of violence in the Darfur region. The United Arab Emirates, in a strong statement at the United Nations, condemned the ‘heinous attacks against civilians’ and pledged an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid. The international community has called for both warring parties to cease targeting civilians and exercise restraint.