RSF fighters accused of massacre in Sudan’s Sennar state

August 12, 2024 (SENNAR) – At least 15 people were killed in a massacre carried out by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the town of Jalqni in Sennar state, activists said on Monday.

The RSF seized control of Sennar’s capital, Sinjah, in late June and has since expanded its presence into surrounding areas. The Sudanese army maintains control of East Sennar and Sennar city.

The paramilitary group has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including killings, looting, arrests, and forced displacement, since its deployment in the southeastern state.

The Sennar Youth Gathering reported that the RSF attacked Jalqni, located south of Abu Jar, on Sunday, August 11th. The statement, seen by Sudan Tribune, claims the RSF “violated all neighbourhoods of the village and fired randomly at citizens” despite residents’ attempts to defend themselves.

The attack triggered mass displacement, with residents fleeing to nearby villages and the city of Damazin in Blue Nile state. The RSF also reportedly prevented the burial of victims and shut down medical and service facilities in the village.

The conflict in Sennar has displaced over 725,000 people, according to the International Organization for Migration. Gedaref state alone is currently hosting more than 100,000 displaced people.