Sultan of the Masalit Delivers Shocking Testimony on Militia Atrocities at High-Level Event in Geneva

Geneva – Sudanhorizon

The Sultan of the Masalit, Saad Abdelrahman Bahr al-Din, delivered powerful testimony on Friday at a high-level event organised by Sudan’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, detailing atrocities committed against civilians by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

In his statement, the Sultan recounted harrowing personal experiences from the city of El Geneina and its surrounding areas, describing indiscriminate killings and systematic executions carried out along ethnic lines. He said the attacks targeted the Masalit and other African-origin tribes in a region historically known for peaceful coexistence.

His testimony included accounts of brutal targeting of women and girls, involving rape, torture and the dragging of bodies through the streets. He also highlighted the killing of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abakar and the public desecration of his body.

The Sultan described his own perilous escape toward the Chadian border after losing most of his family members, including his brother. He stated that militia forces pursued survivors, including approximately 200 children who were with him, firing upon them and subjecting them to abuse in an apparent attempt to prevent their escape — a scene he said reflected the scale of the atrocities inflicted on unarmed civilians.

During the same event, Major General of Police Dr Mohamed Ahmed Abakar al-Daggo, Rapporteur of the National Mechanism for the Protection of Civilians, outlined efforts to document violations and initiate criminal proceedings against perpetrators before national courts. He emphasised that strengthening national institutions remains the cornerstone of civilian protection and stability amid ongoing militia attacks.

Meanwhile, Dr Salima Ishaq, State Minister at the Ministry of Social Development, affirmed that women have been the most severely affected group. She stressed that the Unit for Combating Violence Against Women operates under a survivor-centred approach, prioritising dignity and privacy as essential components in rebuilding communities affected by conflict.

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