At least 23 civilians killed in RSF attack on North Kordofan convoy

July 14, 2024 (EL-OBEID) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) perpetrated a massacre in North Kordofan State on Saturday, opening fire on a commercial convoy and killing at least 23 civilians, with others injured.

The RSF has held control over most of North Kordofan since the early stages of the war and faces accusations of numerous violations and crimes against civilians, including killings, looting, detention, and forced displacement.

A statement released by the Sudanese Doctors Network and received by Sudan Tribune reported that the RSF “carried out a new massacre against a group of civilians from the village of Fanquqa in North Kordofan state, opening fire on them as they were travelling to a market. This resulted in the immediate death of 23 people and injuries to others.”

The statement condemned the heinous crime against unarmed civilians, interpreting it as an attempt by the RSF to restrict citizens’ freedoms and impose unjustified sieges, further evidencing the RSF’s ongoing violations and attacks on civilian populations.

Additionally, a circular issued by Nidaa Al-Wasat, an initiative monitoring violations in central Sudan, stated that the RSF ambushed merchants from the village of Fanquqa Al-Gharbiya and other nearby villages who were en route to the “Um Sumaima” market. The initial death toll was reported as 23, with approximately ten wounded.

The RSF has maintained a tight siege on El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, for months, severely restricting the movement of commercial convoys. This has led to shortages of essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel. North Kordofan is also experiencing a complete blackout of communications and internet services.