The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rejected accusations it bombed civilians in El Fasher, saying it was “astonished and dismayed” by comments from U.S. President’s Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Massad Boulos, and regional partners in the “Peaceful Solution to End the Sudanese Crisis” initiative who blamed the group for strikes on a shelter in North Darfur.
In a statement by its spokesperson, the RSF said condemnations were issued “in haste” and based on “single-source information,” calling it evidence of “double standards.” The group asserted El Fasher was empty of civilians except for “military pockets” of Popular Resistance units and “elements of the former regime,” whom it accused of using hospitals and mosques as firing positions to provoke blame against the RSF.
Citing a record of alleged abuses by General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and allied groups, the RSF accused its rivals of drone and air attacks that killed civilians in several incidents this month, including reported strikes on Bulbul Tembesko on Oct. 1, Al-Zurruq on Oct. 2, and Al-Koma on Oct. 11. It said many targeted areas were far from front lines and had no RSF presence.
The RSF urged international and regional actors and rights groups to “exercise neutrality,” resist “disinformation,” and avoid “rewarding” Islamist elements. It said it remains committed to protecting civilians and respecting human rights while reserving the right to self-defence, and vowed to continue operations it describes as dismantling unjust institutions, combating terrorism, and building a state based on justice and equality.
