RSF Atrocities in Darfur: Genocide Determination and Mass Killings

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Photo: Darfur - Stan Wiechers

Sudan RSF Darfur atrocities have produced one of the most extensively documented patterns of ethnic cleansing in the contemporary era. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — descendants of the Janjaweed militias that perpetrated the 2003-2008 Darfur genocide — have systematically targeted non-Arab ethnic groups since the April 2023 war began. Furthermore, the US Department of State formally determined on 7 January 2025 that the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Darfur. The El Geneina massacres of 2023 are among the most documented atrocities. This article maps the RSF atrocities, the UN documentation, and the asylum implications.[1]

For wider context, see the Sudan country report.

RSF Origins and the Janjaweed Connection

The RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militias mobilised by the Bashir government during the 2003-2008 Darfur conflict. Furthermore, the Janjaweed perpetrated the genocide that the US determined in 2004 and that the International Criminal Court has charged. The 2013 reorganisation of these forces into the RSF formally institutionalised the Janjaweed as a state-affiliated militia. Therefore, the RSF carries the institutional legacy of genocide-perpetrating forces.[2]

The 2013-2023 institutionalisation

Between 2013 and 2023, the RSF expanded under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ("Hemedti"). The force grew through recruitment in Darfur, including from Arab communities historically involved in the Janjaweed. Furthermore, RSF forces fought in Yemen alongside Saudi-led coalition forces and developed economic interests in gold mining and other sectors. As a result, by April 2023, the RSF had become a significant parallel force to the Sudanese Armed Forces.

El Geneina Massacres (2023)

El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, was the site of the most extensively documented RSF atrocities of the current war. Between June and November 2023, RSF forces and allied Arab militias systematically attacked the Masalit ethnic majority population. UN OHCHR, HRW, and Amnesty International have documented multiple massacres totaling at least 15,000 deaths in El Geneina alone. Furthermore, the West Darfur Governor Khamis Abakar was killed in June 2023 after publicly criticising the RSF.[3]

Documented patterns in El Geneina

• House-to-house attacks: Targeting Masalit homes and identifying victims by ethnic markers.
• Mass killings of men of fighting age: Adult Masalit males particularly targeted.
• Sexual violence: Mass rape documented by survivors and UN.
• Forced displacement to Chad: Survivors forced across the Adre border.
• Property destruction: Masalit neighbourhoods burned.
• ID document destruction: Removing evidence of Masalit identity.

The US Genocide Determination

On 7 January 2025, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a formal genocide determination on Sudan. The determination found that the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Darfur. Furthermore, the determination cited specific acts: ethnic killings, sexual violence with ethnic motivation, forced displacement, and ID document destruction. The determination triggers various US sanctions and policy responses but does not directly lead to prosecution.[4]

UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan

The UN Human Rights Council established an Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan in October 2023. The Mission has documented violations by both RSF and SAF forces. Furthermore, its 2024 reports specifically addressed RSF atrocities in Darfur. The Mission's findings have informed the US determination and may inform potential ICC prosecutions.[5]

Continuing Atrocities in 2024-2026

RSF atrocities have continued through 2024-2026. The El Fasher siege (2024-2026) has produced ongoing civilian harm. Furthermore, RSF attacks on IDP camps near El Fasher have been documented. Zamzam IDP camp was particularly affected, with attacks on displaced civilians. The Sennar offensive (June 2024) and continuing operations across Sudan have extended the pattern beyond Darfur.[6]

After reviewing the evidence available, including testimony of survivors, witness accounts, and physical evidence, the United States has determined that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan.
US Department of State, Genocide Determination on Sudan (7 January 2025)

Ethnic Groups Targeted

Asylum Implications

Sudan RSF Darfur asylum claims engage strong Convention grounds. Race and nationality (ethnicity) are the dominant grounds — the targeting is explicitly ethnic. Furthermore, sexual violence survivors engage PSG analysis. Family members of named RSF targets engage family-based PSG.[7]

Strong asylum profiles

• Masalit individual from West Darfur: Direct genocide survivor profile.
• Fur from Jebel Marra area: Continuing targeting.
• Zaghawa from North Darfur: Ethnic targeting documented.
• Sexual violence survivor: PSG + race grounds.
• Survivor of El Geneina massacres: Particularly strong evidence base.
• Family of named RSF target: Family-based PSG.

Following the genocide determination, Darfuri claimants can rely on our Sudan country expert witness reports for evidence of ethnic targeting and mass killings.

Conclusion

Sudan RSF Darfur atrocities represent one of the most extensively documented contemporary patterns of ethnic cleansing and genocide. The US 7 January 2025 genocide determination and UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission documentation provide the strongest evidence base for asylum claims by Darfuri non-Arab ethnic groups. Therefore, asylum claims by Masalit, Fur, Zaghawa, and other Darfuri victims have particularly strong evidential foundations. To commission a Sudan expert report, use the find expert witness service. For broader context, see the country reports section.