According to a Reuters report, Sudanese human rights organization has obtained evidence suggesting that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan have detained over 5000 individuals and subjected a significant number of them to torture. The detained individuals, located in the capital, were allegedly held in deplorable conditions, characterized by inhuman treatment.

According to reports, over the past three months, intense fighting has been ongoing between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite the army possessing air superiority, the RSF fighters have taken refuge in various cities, including the capital, Khartoum. The Sudanese army, despite having an advantage in the air, has been unable to fully capitalize on its superiority.

Reuters reported that the RSF has refuted the allegations of detainment and torture, claiming that the reports are inaccurate. According to the RSF, they hold prisoners of war who are treated well. A representative of the RSF, quoted by Reuters, accused human rights organizations of disregarding the army's violations against civilians, such as airstrikes, detentions, and arming of civilians.

Human rights organizations, requesting anonymity due to fear of retribution, have stated that among those detained in various locations across Khartoum are both combatants and 3,500 civilians, including vulnerable women and foreign nationals. The RSF has declared its intention to present documentation to the United Nations, highlighting cases of death by torture and the deplorable conditions of detention lacking basic necessities.

The UN's human rights office recently revealed that at least 87 individuals, belonging to the ethnic Masalit group, were buried in a mass grave in the city of El Geneina, located in West Darfur. As per credible information, the UN has implicated the RSF and allied militias in these killings, although the paramilitary force has denied any involvement.

Responding to the situation, the International Criminal Court announced its intention to investigate the killings throughout the region. However, the RSF has not yet provided any immediate comments on the matter.

In a separate incident, on July 13, the UN disclosed that a mass grave was discovered in Sudan's West Darfur, containing the remains of at least 87 people, including women and children from the ethnic Masalit group.

According to reports, local residents were allegedly coerced into disposing of the bodies in an open area near the town of western El-Geneina between June 20-21. The UN statement implies that the RSF is believed to be responsible for these acts.

"I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of civilians and hors de combat individuals, and I am further appalled by the callous and disrespectful way the dead, along with their families and communities, were treated," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in the same statement.

Image source: Reuters