Joint Force accuses RSF of executing prisoners in North Darfur

October 8, 2024 (EL FASHER) – The Joint Force, allied with the Sudanese army, accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Tuesday of summarily executing two of its captured fighters in North Darfur.

The accusation follows the circulation of graphic video footage on pro-RSF social media platforms. The videos appear to show two RSF soldiers pursuing and shooting a group of prisoners from the joint force in the North Darfur desert. The prisoners appear to have surrendered before being killed.

“We have seen the horrific videos which show members of the RSF militia executing two prisoners from the Joint Force by firing squad, despite their complete surrender,” said Joint Force spokesman Ahmed Hussein Mustafa in a statement.

He condemned the killings as a “cowardly and brutal act” that violates international humanitarian law and the rights of prisoners of war. Mustafa called the executions a war crime and an act of terrorism, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

The Joint Force called on the international community, humanitarian organizations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to document and investigate these alleged violations and bring RSF leaders before the ICC.

These accusations come after intense clashes in North Darfur last week between the Joint Force and the RSF, with both sides claiming to have inflicted significant casualties.

The fighting in North Darfur is part of a more significant conflict that erupted in May between the Sudanese army, supported by allied armed movements, and the RSF.