Paramilitary Forces Accused of 'Widespread Violations' in Sudan's Kordofan Region

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stand accused of committing "widespread violations" against civilians in North Kordofan state, following recent advances by the Sudanese army. Local human rights group Emergency Lawyers reported that RSF fighters attacked civilians, destroyed homes, and looted businesses in the town of Al Yamama, north of the strategic city of Al Obeid.

The violence erupted after the Sudanese army reportedly expelled the RSF from five key positions in North Kordofan, including a vital road connecting the capital, Khartoum, to the Kordofan and Darfur regions. According to the NGO, "thousands of people" have been forced to flee the violence. These displaced individuals are seeking refuge in other villages within North Kordofan, while army-controlled cities are becoming overwhelmed centers for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons.

The situation is compounded by a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by ongoing violence and difficulties in accessing aid. Reports suggest that RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has unleashed his fighters following the defeats, anticipating a large-scale offensive. International organizations have previously accused the RSF of committing war crimes and even genocide.

Military sources confirmed to EFE that the army conducted airstrikes on RSF concentrations in North Kordofan, aiming to cut off the paramilitary group's supply lines from Darfur, a major stronghold for the RSF. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 14 million people, making Sudan the site of the world's largest displacement crisis, according to the UN.