Sudan’s RSF pledge cooperation with investigations into Darfur crimes
November 14, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The second commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdel Rahim Dagalo, has affirmed the RSF’s readiness to cooperate with investigation committees into crimes committed in Darfur following the outbreak of conflict with the Sudanese army. Dagalo’s statement comes amid growing international concern over reports of violence targeting members of the Masalit tribe in the region.
In a video address on Tuesday, Dagalo emphasized the RSF’s commitment to holding accountable any individual who violates the rights of others and threatens their safety. He also called for peaceful coexistence in Darfur, a region plagued by unrest for over two decades.
Dagalo, who is under U.S. sanctions, reiterated that the RSF will not provide protection for those who engage in unlawful acts and will confront them with firmness and deterrence. “We affirm our readiness to cooperate with any investigation committees and to bring any individual proven to be involved in any violations to a fair trial,” he asserted.
Following the RSF’s takeover of the army garrison in El Geneina on November 4, there have been numerous reports and videos documenting crimes committed against the Masalit by Arab militias fighting alongside the RSF.
In June, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced an investigation into crimes committed against the Masalit in El Geneina, the state capital of West Darfur. The ICC’s move came in response to the assassination of the West Darfur governor and the mass displacement of civilians within Sudan and to neighbouring Chad.
UN launches investigation
On Tuesday, the United Nations also announced an investigation into the recent violence in West Darfur.
Speaking at the Noon Briefing in New York, UN Secretary-General’s Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the launch of the investigation into the crimes committed in West Darfur.
“The UN is currently verifying credible reports we received of large-scale violence directed towards members of the Masalit community in Darfur, particularly in El Geneina,” Dujarric stated.
He added that the reports indicate that this violence was allegedly committed by Arab militia groups between November 4 and 6, with the possible complicity of the RSF.
The reported abuses include targeted killings of Masalit men and women, inhumane and degrading treatment, and forced expulsion of Masalit communities who had sought refuge in the Ardamata neighbourhood of El Geneina and surrounding areas. There are also reports that members of Masalit militias have targeted some members of the Arab community in El Geneina.
“These developments sadly indicate an escalation of inter-ethnic tensions and intercommunal conflicts in Sudan,” Dujarric remarked.
Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, emphasized the need for the international community to pay attention and respond, stressing that “Sudan must not be a forgotten crisis.“
The UN urged all parties to the conflict to uphold and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to fulfil their duty of protecting all civilians in the areas under their control. This includes implementing the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, which was signed on May 11 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
(ST)