UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan: RSF Committed Horrific Violations

Geneva – Sudanhorizon

The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan stated in a press release on Monday that it has documented a pattern of detention followed by coercion and extortion by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whereby families are allegedly forced to pay large sums of money in exchange for the release of detained relatives. In some cases, the demanded amount reportedly reached 25 million Sudanese pounds, equivalent to approximately US$40,000.

The mission warned that parties to the conflict in Sudan are increasingly resorting to arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances as tools to control populations trapped by the conflict. According to the mission, these practices are worsening an already catastrophic civilian protection crisis as the war enters its fourth year.

The mission expressed “grave concern” over the arrest of at least 70 individuals in El Geneina during May 2026 by military intelligence affiliated with the RSF. Reports indicate that humanitarian workers were among those detained.

The mission said no information has been received regarding the detainees since their arrest. It added that the RSF has not disclosed their whereabouts or legal status, nor allowed family members or lawyers to visit them.

According to the statement, the arrests appear to be part of a broader pattern of similar campaigns in areas under RSF control, where detainees are frequently accused of collaborating with or providing intelligence to the Sudanese Armed Forces and their allies. Many of those arrested are reportedly transferred to detention facilities in Nyala for further interrogation, where they are allegedly held in harsh conditions and subjected to torture.

Mission member Mona Rishmawi stated:

“The enforced disappearance of humanitarian workers is a crime and raises extremely serious concerns. Families searching for their loved ones should not be met with silence and uncertainty. Such actions undermine humanitarian operations and place civilians who depend on life-saving assistance at greater risk. When the rights of humanitarian workers are violated, entire communities suffer.”

Meanwhile, Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the mission, said:

“Civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden of this conflict. They are not only exposed to attacks and direct violence, but also face an increasingly repressive system marked by arbitrary detention and pervasive fear affecting all aspects of life. Unless these patterns are brought to an end, they will further undermine protection efforts and deepen the humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in Sudan.”

The mission emphasized that the continuation of such practices poses serious risks to civilian safety, humanitarian operations, and the protection of fundamental human rights throughout conflict-affected areas of Sudan.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=14878