A detailed 142-page dossier documenting alleged war crimes committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been submitted to the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police war crimes unit. Compiled by a team of international law barristers based in London, the dossier presents extensive evidence of atrocities, including killings, torture, and mass rapes, perpetrated during Sudan’s ongoing conflict, now entering its third year.
The RSF, a paramilitary group with roots in the notorious Janjaweed militias, has been at the center of numerous human rights violations since the outbreak of violence in Sudan. The submitted dossier emphasizes the principle of “command responsibility,” suggesting that RSF leaders were aware, or should have been aware, of these crimes and failed to prevent or punish the perpetrators.
Sir Howard Morrison, a former international judge, described the evidence as compelling and expressed hope that it would aid the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its ongoing investigation into RSF activities in Darfur. The submission of this dossier coincides with Sudan’s case at the International Court of Justice, where the country accuses the United Arab Emirates of facilitating genocide by supplying arms to the RSF.
The United States has reaffirmed its designation of RSF actions in Darfur as genocide, highlighting the severity of the situation. While the ICC’s focus remains on Darfur, reports of war crimes have emerged from other regions in Sudan, including a recent RSF attack in Omdurman that resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals. Simultaneously, the Sudanese military faces similar accusations, with its leaders having been sanctioned by the U.S. for their roles in the conflict.
The submission of this dossier marks a significant step in holding perpetrators accountable and underscores the international community’s concern over the escalating human rights crisis in Sudan. As investigations proceed, there is hope that justice will be served for the countless victims affected by these atrocities.
