Reports have emerged of forced recruitment of civilians, including young men, by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the conflict‑riddled city of El Fasher. Testimonies gathered by the Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) indicate that dozens of young men were seized at RSF checkpoints between 15 and 23 October and then compelled to fight on the frontlines.
The DNHR, a human‑rights organization, has documented witness accounts and sources within the city, revealing that 65 young men were captured in the northern and western parts of El Fasher. These individuals were allegedly armed and sent to battle the Sudanese army on 23 October, resulting in many deaths. Those who tried to escape were reportedly detained by Sudanese forces after the clashes subsided.
Families of the victims confirm that many of the young men had previously fled the city to escape the RSF‑imposed siege, only to be captured upon their return or while navigating checkpoints. Video footage posted online appears to corroborate these accounts, showing RSF fighters receiving groups of young civilians at checkpoints on the city’s outskirts. DNHR field monitors have verified that several individuals seen in the footage match descriptions provided by relatives of the missing.
The forced recruitment of civilians, including youth, highlights the escalating desperation and brutality of the conflict in North Darfur. The region has long been plagued by violence, with civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting. The use of forced recruitment tactics by armed groups underscores the need for increased protection of civilians and accountability for human‑rights abuses.
The conflict in Darfur has persisted for nearly two decades, with periodic escalations in violence. The recent surge in fighting has caused significant displacement and human suffering. The international community has called for an end to hostilities and for the protection of civilians, including the prevention of forced recruitment and the use of child soldiers.
As the situation in El Fasher continues to unfold, concerns about the safety and well‑being of civilians remain paramount. A peaceful resolution to the conflict and accountability for human‑rights abuses are increasingly urgent. The international community must continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of civilians and an end to the violence in Darfur.
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