A recent report from the UN human rights office has revealed alarming details about the conduct of paramilitary forces in Sudan during their efforts to take control of El Fasher, a city besieged for months. The report describes the violence as "shocking in its scale and brutality," characterizing it as akin to scenes from a horror film. Atrocities reported include mass killings, sexual violence, and systematic abductions, which meet the definitions of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the need for credible investigations into these acts, underlining that without accountability, cycles of violence in the region will persist.

The violence in El Fasher is part of a larger conflict between Sudan's national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been ongoing for nearly three years. As this brutal offensive unfolded, the RSF, alongside allied Arab militias, was blamed for widespread atrocities, which have severely impacted the civilian population and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. This environment of fear and brutality is not only a tragedy for the individuals directly affected but poses broader implications for stability in the region.

The call from the UN for credible investigations and justice for victims indicates that the international community may need to step in to ensure that these crimes are addressed. The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention and support for those in Sudan as well as holding accountable those responsible for acts of violence against civilians, which will be crucial in breaking the cycle of impunity that has allowed these human rights abuses to flourish.