Rights group accuses RSF of abuses in North Kordofan
July 29, 2026 (EL OBEID) – A rights group on Wednesday accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing widespread abuses against civilians in North Kordofan state, forcing thousands to flee.
The fresh wave of violations follows the Sudanese army and its allies pushing the paramilitary force out of five strategic areas in North Kordofan, including the vital export road connecting Khartoum to Kordofan and Darfur.
Emergency Lawyers said in a statement that the RSF carried out attacks on civilians in the Al-Jamama area, located in western North Kordofan.
The rights group stated the assault involved attacks on residents and homes, alongside the looting and destruction of the Al-Jamama market, leaving dozens injured and displacing families to nearby villages.
Despite recent military escalation in North Kordofan, Emergency Lawyers noted that Al-Jamama experienced no direct military clashes and remained under RSF control.
The group highlighted that abuses occurring far from active frontlines raise serious safety concerns and underscore the controlling force’s responsibility to protect civilians and prevent looting.
Emergency Lawyers condemned the attacks as grave violations of international humanitarian law that may constitute war crimes.
Local sources told Sudan Tribune that retreating RSF forces from Um Sayala, Jabrat al-Sheikh, and Bara launched retaliatory attacks against civilians in Um Badr, Sodari, Abu Zaima, Hamrat al-Sheikh, and El Mazrub.
Sources reported that retreating troops completely looted local markets, raided homes, and detained numerous residents on allegations of providing target coordinates to military aircraft.
The ground incursions coincided with a series of drone strikes, presumed to be carried out by the Sudanese military, targeting RSF convoys in Sodari, Um Badr, and El Mazrub.
Military sources indicate that the army aims to advance toward Sodari, the largest locality in North Kordofan, to secure a strategic desert corridor that the RSF previously used to transport supplies between Darfur and Khartoum.