In a disturbing development, Sudanese police have unveiled the discovery of 11 bodies at the bottom of a well in Khartoum, pointing fingers at the notorious Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. This grim find surfaces shortly after the military reclaimed the area from RSF control.
The bodies, consisting of both males and females, including children, were retrieved from a well in the Fayhaa neighborhood, according to Col. Abdul-Rahman Mohamed Hassan, who heads the civil defense’s field team in Khartoum. Residents initiated the search after discovering a body inside the well, leading authorities to find more victims. Hassan acknowledged, “We found inside this well different characters (bodies), males and females, adults and children.” The search for additional remains continues.
The police suspect the victims were executed by the RSF before their bodies were discarded into the well. This assertion follows the military’s recent takeover of the area, previously under RSF’s grip. The RSF has not provided any comments on the allegations.
Afraa al-Hajj Omar, a resident from the nearby Hajj Youssef area, recounted harrowing experiences under RSF’s presence, stating their rampant actions of murder and neglect of bodies on the streets. “They robbed us, beat us, and tortured us,” she expressed, noting that many bodies ended up in the well.
Related Stories
The conflict in Sudan, ignited in April 2023, marks a period of heightened warfare between the national military and the RSF, leading to substantial casualties and displacement. The fighting has resulted in widespread displacement, with over 14 million people uprooted from their homes, and some regions slipping into famine.
The United Nations and international rights groups are alarmed, documenting numerous atrocities throughout the conflict, including mass rapes and ethnic killings, particularly in Darfur, qualifying as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In recent months, the military has regained significant ground from the RSF in Khartoum and other areas, intensifying the already perilous situation within the country. The city’s neighborhoods, including Omdurman, have been centers of violent clashes, reflecting the ongoing power struggle.
The situation remains volatile, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with more than 20,000 fatalities and millions suffering due to war-related adversities. The discovery in Khartoum underscores the conflict’s brutal reality, making international intervention and aid crucial to addressing the humanitarian needs and potential for future stability.
The tragic discovery of bodies in Khartoum amplifies the urgent need for international attention and assistance in Sudan. As violence persists, the human toll continues to rise, demanding comprehensive efforts towards peace and accountability. The unearthing of these graves echoes the severe impacts of the relentless conflict gripping the country.
