Sudanese rights group accuses RSF of carrying out deadly attack in North Darfur village

KHARTOUM, Sudan/ISTANBUL

A Sudanese human rights organization accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Tuesday of carrying out a deadly attack in the village of Mastariha in North Darfur in western Sudan.

The Emergency Lawyers, a nongovernmental group, said in a statement that RSF forces stormed the Mastariha on Monday and burned several homes in the village.

The raid was preceded by drone strikes on several locations, including a health center, market, guest facilities, and residents’ homes, causing casualties and forcing dozens to flee, it added.

The group called the attack a “blatant violation” of international humanitarian law and human rights.

“This attack adds to the ongoing record of violations in Darfur, which may constitute genocide and crimes against humanity, reflecting a systematic pattern of attacks on civilians and their property," it said, calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes committed in Darfur, and pursue those directly responsible to ensure the protection of civilians.

The RSF did not immediately comment on the accusations, though several members posted videos on social media claiming control of Mastariha.

Of Sudan’s 18 states, the RSF controls the five Darfur states in the west, except for parts of North Darfur that remain under army control. The military retains control over most of the remaining states, including the capital, Khartoum.

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 13 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and famine conditions, according to UN reports.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel​​​​​​​