In a devastating attack, fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have rampaged through the village of Galgani in the central province of Sennar. The assault resulted in the deaths of at least 85 people, including women and children. The RSF, known for their involvement in the country’s 18-month conflict, began attacking the village in late July. Last week, they indiscriminately opened fire on unarmed residents after facing resistance to their attempts to abduct and sexually assault women and girls.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying hours-long attack, stating that hundreds of RSF fighters stormed the village, looting and burning houses and public properties. The assault came after the residents successfully repelled an initial attack by a small group of RSF fighters. However, the paramilitary group returned with hundreds of fighters armed with automatic rifles and heavy weapons.
As of Friday, the local medical center had received at least 80 bodies, including 24 women and minors. Witnesses reported that the bodies of the deceased were left in the streets due to the presence of RSF fighters, making it impossible for people to recover and bury their loved ones.
The RSF has faced repeated accusations of massacres, rapes, and other gross violations throughout Sudan since the conflict began in April last year. The war initially erupted in the capital Khartoum and other areas, stemming from tensions between the military and the RSF. The group’s actions have drawn comparisons to the Janjaweed, Arab militias infamous for their involvement in genocide and war crimes in Darfur.
This latest attack occurred amidst ongoing peace talks between the military and the RSF, led by the United States. However, the RSF did not participate in the talks, which began last week in Switzerland. The conflict in Sudan has already claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings, have been documented by the United Nations and international rights groups. » …
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