The Government of Sudan has reiterated its call to the international community to officially designate the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist organization, citing extensive violations and crimes against humanity committed against civilians since the outbreak of conflict on April 15, 2023.
Attorney General Al-Fatih Mohamed Issa Tayfour, Chair of the National Committee to Investigate Crimes and Violations of National Law and International Humanitarian Law, made this appeal during an oral briefing to the Fact-Finding Committee on Sudan at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Call for International Action
Tayfour urged the Council to condemn the RSF’s actions, formally classify it as a terrorist entity, restrict its movements and operations, and designate its leadership as terrorist figures. He emphasized the urgent need to take decisive measures to protect civilians and uphold international law.
Accusations Against the UAE
The Attorney General also called for condemnation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its alleged involvement in supporting systematic violations and acts of genocide in Sudan. He urged international pressure on the UAE to halt its support for the RSF and provide compensation for the resulting human and material losses. Tayfour noted that evidence gathered by the National Committee confirms this involvement.
Support for National Investigations
Tayfour appealed to regional countries to assist the National Committee in locating victims and witnesses, recovering stolen property, and enhancing coordination with the Human Rights Council. He dismissed the need for external mechanisms and advocated for continued support to the National Committee to fulfill its mandate.
Documentation of Violations
In his report, Tayfour stated that the RSF committed acts of genocide and extrajudicial killings in Al-Gezira State and in areas including Al-Geneina, Ardamata, Al-Jumu’iya, Al-Saliha, Al-Obeid, Al-Nuhud, Al-Khuwai, and the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps. According to the Committee, these violations resulted in 28,613 deaths and 43,575 injuries.
He further reported that 9,000 children were forcibly recruited by the RSF and deployed to combat zones. Additionally, foreign mercenaries from over 12 countries, allegedly recruited by the UAE, were involved in these actions, in breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.
Grave Humanitarian Impact
Tayfour revealed that investigations uncovered 14,506 cases of enforced disappearance and detention, as well as the execution of prisoners and the discovery of 965 mass graves. The RSF is also accused of targeting civilian infrastructure using drones, including displaced persons’ shelters, airports, dams, power stations, Port Sudan port, fuel depots, hospitals, and prisons.
Assurance of Judicial Integrity
Affirming the independence and professionalism of the National Committee, Tayfour stressed its commitment to due process and access to justice through direct field investigations. He confirmed that the Committee has documented crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and terrorism.
To date, 3,997 cases have been completed and referred to national courts, with 1,093 adjudicated. Additionally, 619 fugitives have been called to surrender, and extradition requests have been submitted to six countries for 17 suspects believed to be residing abroad. Tayfour reaffirmed the capability and integrity of Sudan’s national judiciary to uphold justice and prevent impunity.
