Human Rights Watch (HRW) shed light on the ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity taking place in El Geneina, Sudan, which are described as “among the worst atrocities against civilians so far in the current conflict in Sudan.” The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are held responsible for a series of attacks that began in April 2023 against the Massalit ethnic minority. Estimates suggest that between 10,000 and 15,000 people lost their lives in El Geneina due to widespread ethnic cleansing campaign. For further reading, HRW's report provides more insights.
According to HRW, non-Arab civilians, particularly the Massalit, are being forced out of El Geneina, with displaced residents seeking refuge in neighbouring countries like Chad, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. HRW dissected the situation as a case of crimes against humanity, even indicating a potential genocide. The acts of murder, torture, persecution, and forcible transfer of civilian population align with the definition of crimes against humanity as stipulated in Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). ICC prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan, in a statement in January 2024, confirmed the present evidence suggesting the involvement of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF in committing Rome Statute crimes in Darfur.
Information regarding the crimes committed in Sudan has been limited at the international level, resulting in numerous unpunished acts and delayed justice. Tirana Hassan, HRW’s executive director, noted the global inaction concerning these atrocities as “inexcusable.” However, the UN Security Council took further steps in March 2024 about the West Darfur situation. They passed Resolution 2725 extending the Panel of Experts’ influence monitoring sanctions and actions in Sudan until 2025.
The HRW report offers a series of recommended actions for consideration at the international level: targeted sanctions, an arms embargo, and further investigations into the incidents. As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the report underscores the importance of international cooperation and humanitarian action.