The denial comes in response to serious claims from Emergency Lawyers and other rights groups, who say RSF troops opened fire on displaced civilians attempting to flee the besieged city. The incident described as a “horrific massacre” by Emergency Lawyers, reportedly left at least 14 civilians dead, with dozens more injured and an unknown number detained. The fate of the detainees remains unclear.
RSF spokesperson Al-Fateh Qurashi strongly rejected the accusations, calling them “baseless fabrications” aimed at undermining the group’s image. Qurashi said the RSF is committed to protecting civilians and facilitating their safe passage out of El Fasher to relatively secure areas like Tawila, Kuma, and Shangil Tobaya.
He further claimed that remaining civilians inside El Fasher are being held against their will by “defeated mercenary factions” who, according to him, are using civilians as human shields, an act he labeled a clear war crime.
“The RSF will remain a protector of civilians,” the statement said, warning that it will not allow any party to exploit or endanger the lives of the Sudanese people.
Despite the RSF’s statements, reports from humanitarian actors on the ground have painted a grim picture of the situation in and around El Fasher. Fighting has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, involving the RSF, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and other armed factions. The intensified conflict has turned El Fasher into a humanitarian flashpoint, drawing concern from both local and international actors.
Activists and aid workers say civilians attempting to heed calls by Darfur-based armed leaders, namely El Hadi Idris and El Tahir Hagar, to leave El Fasher for safety are being systematically targeted by RSF forces. According to several activists in Darfur, RSF elements have been executing civilians daily.
The RSF has faced widespread accusations of committing atrocities since the war erupted in April 2023. Local and international organizations have documented numerous cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in Darfur, where the RSF has gained control over large swaths of territory.
In recent weeks, El Fasher has seen an increase in civilian casualties, looting, and alleged executions as the battle for strategic control continues. Human rights monitors have repeatedly called for immediate access to the area and for international intervention to prevent further mass atrocities.
The conflicting narratives between RSF statements and witness reports have deepened concerns over civilian protection in Darfur, as the war in Sudan shows no sign of slowing down.
