UN Human Rights Spokesperson Seif Magango on atrocities in El Fasher, Sudan

“More details are emerging of atrocities committed during and after the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Since the RSF made a major incursion into the city on 23 October, we have received horrendous accounts of summary executions, mass killings, rapes, attacks against humanitarian workers, looting, abductions and forced displacement,” he said.

Speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, via Zoom, he said the Office had received testimonies from those who fled El Fasher terrified and who survived the frightening journey to Tawila, approximately 70 km away, and received shocking videos as well as other images depicting serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of human rights law.

“We estimate the death toll of civilians and those placed hors de combat during the RSF attack on the city and its exit routes, as well as in the days after the takeover, could amount to hundreds,” he said.

“In addition, our colleagues have documented the killing of humanitarian workers and local volunteers supporting vulnerable communities in El Fasher. At least two local humanitarian responders were killed inside El Fasher on 27 October. As of 29 October, we have recorded at least four incidents in which humanitarian personnel and local volunteers were assaulted. We have also confirmed that three doctors are being detained by the RSF in El Fasher,” he added.

Magango said reports were also emerging of serious violations in the context of the RSF capture of Bara in North Kordofan state, including the alleged summary execution of five Red Crescent volunteers. He said an estimated 50 civilians were killed on or around 26 October in the town, some of them during hostilities, while others were summarily executed on accusations of being supporters of the SAF. The number of victims is likely higher.

“These latest reports of serious violations potentially amount to numerous crimes under international law, in and around El Fasher, and in Bara. There must be independent, prompt, transparent and thorough investigations into all such breaches of international law, and for those responsible to be held to account. The rights of victims and their families to truth, justice and reparations must be ensured,” he said.

He went on to say: “UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk repeats his call on States with influence over the parties to the conflict to act urgently to put an end to the violence, halt the flow of arms that are fuelling the violations we continue to witness, and ensure meaningful protection of civilians.”

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For more information and media requests, please contact

In Geneva:

Ravina Shamdasani: +41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org

Jeremy Laurence: +41 22 917 9383 / jeremy.laurence@un.org

In Nairobi:

Seif Magango: +254 788 343 897/ seif.magango@un.org

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