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UN documents atrocities in el-Fasher siege
Over 6,000 civilians died in three days when Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the Darfur city of el-Fasher last year, according to testimonies gathered by the United Nations. The report describes mass executions, torture, and sexual violence that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Eyewitness accounts of horror
One survivor recounted seeing bodies flung into the air as RSF fighters fired on 1,000 people sheltering in a university building in October. The UN Human Rights Office interviewed more than 140 victims and witnesses in Sudan's Northern state and eastern Chad in late 2025.
During the initial assault, at least 4,400 people were killed inside el-Fasher, while another 1,600 died along escape routes. The UN cautioned that the true death toll is likely far higher.
Conflict enters third year with no end in sight
Sudan's civil war, now in its third year, pits the regular army against the RSF. The fighting has displaced over 13 million people and killed hundreds of thousands. Both sides face accusations of atrocities, including widespread sexual violence used as a weapon of war.
The U.S. and Human Rights Watch allege the RSF and its allies committed genocide in Darfur against the Massalit and other non-Arab communities, though recent UN reports have not used that term.
International pressure mounts on conflict backers
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged all parties to halt violations by forces under their command. Meanwhile, the UK imposed sanctions last week on six figures-including senior commanders from both sides-accused of fueling the war. Three foreign nationals were also targeted for allegedly recruiting Colombian mercenaries for the RSF.
The UAE, accused of supplying arms to the RSF, denied the claims. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reaffirmed Britain's strict arms export controls, vowing to prevent diversion of weapons.
Political fragmentation deepens crisis
An RSF-linked coalition, the Sudan Founding Alliance, announced plans to establish a rival government in western Sudan. The African Union rejected the move, warning it would undermine prospects for national unity.
BBC launches educational initiative for displaced children
To support children in Sudan and other Arabic-speaking countries denied access to education, the BBC World Service premiered a new season of its Arabic educational program Dars (Lesson) on January 24. Episodes air weekly on BBC News Arabic TV and are available on digital platforms, including YouTube.
"Supplies have stabilized, but the humanitarian crisis remains dire," Türk stated in the UN report.
