A court in Port Sudan has handed down death sentences to the leader of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group and 15 senior members on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The convictions stem from alleged atrocities perpetrated in the West Darfur region, with the trial focusing on incidents in the regional capital of el-Geneina.
The court found the 16 defendants guilty of orchestrating attacks against civilians, widespread destruction and theft of property, and deliberately targeting educational institutions, religious sites and residential areas. Among those sentenced were family members and close associates of the RSF leader, including his brother and deputy. A special judge ordered the seizure of all RSF assets and directed authorities to seek Interpol Red Notices for the arrest and extradition of those convicted.
The RSF has characterized the legal proceedings as a “sham trial,” while declining to offer substantive comment on the verdict. The group has consistently rejected allegations of war crimes during the ongoing conflict. Notably, the whereabouts of the sentenced leader remain publicly unknown, and the RSF continues to maintain control over significant portions of western Sudan.
International bodies have documented allegations against the RSF and associated militias of ethnically motivated violence targeting civilian populations. The International Criminal Court’s deputy chief prosecutor indicated possession of evidence linking RSF leadership to war crimes, while human rights organizations have documented mass casualties and displacement resulting from operations in the region.
The Sudanese conflict, which commenced in April 2023, has resulted in extensive humanitarian devastation, with over 150,000 deaths reported and millions displaced from their homes. Concurrent reports indicate that numerous civilians face severe food insecurity amid the broader violence affecting the nation.