SIHA urges ICC to investigate RSF for war crimes in El Fasher

May 24, 2024 (NAIROBI) – The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) has issued an urgent plea to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their alleged widespread sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the besieged city of El Fasher, North Darfur.

Since May 11th, El Fasher has been under a relentless siege by the RSF, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The North Darfur capital, already hosting over 150 shelter centres for internally displaced persons (IDPs), has seen a surge in killings, sexual violence, looting, and the destruction of critical infrastructure.

In response to these war crimes and crimes against humanity, the regional women’s organization denounced the brutal attacks on civilians and called on the Security Council and the African Union to take concrete steps to protect civilians, particularly women targeted by the paramilitary force.

SIHA further called for recognising SGBV as a primary threat and allocating resources to establish One-Stop Centers and at least one obstetric fistula hospital.

“We call on the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute the crimes of SGBV and the other human rights violations and acts of criminal retaliation being committed by the RSF against women and girls and the civilian population throughout this conflict,” SIHA stressed.

The RSF’s brutal attacks have not spared hospitals or children. The Babiker Nahar Centre Children’s Hospital, the only functioning facility of its kind in the region, was bombed, and a pediatric hospital supported by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been rendered non-functional. The Saudi Obstetrics & Gynaecology Hospital, crucial for women’s health services, is also on the brink of closure due to the violence.

In addition, the group called on international and regional actors to investigate the war crimes committed against civilians in Sudan and hold the warring parties accountable through various regional and international accountability mechanisms.

SIHA emphasizes the need for the UN Security Council to renew and fully enforce the arms embargo on Darfur, punishing all violators, including state actors involved in perpetuating genocide. The situation in El Fasher is a stark reminder of the urgent need for international action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable.

Over 400,000 residents in the Abu Shouk IDP camp have been caught in the crossfire, with many losing their homes due to RSF shelling and arson. The southern parts of El Fasher are witnessing mass displacement, with civilians suffering from hunger and lack of access to essential services.