Tags

, , , ,


Sir Afilonius Rex and Selina Alba

New York and London, 4th November 2025

Recent BBC Reports on Sudan. The civil war in Sudan erupted in April 2023. It is between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict continues to dominate coverage. Below is a list of key reports published on BBC News in 2025. The reports focus on significant developments. These include battles, humanitarian crises, and atrocities. I’ve prioritised the most recent and prominent articles, including titles, publication dates, and brief summaries.

DateTitleSummary
November 4, 2025Sudan war: RSF blamed for drone strike that hits funeral near el-Obeid killing many mournersAt least 40 people killed in a drone strike on a funeral outside army-held el-Obeid; UN calls for halt to violence amid worsening humanitarian crisis. bbc.com
November 3, 2025Sudan conflict: Who is RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagolo?Sudan war: RSF blamed for drone strike that hits funeral near el-Obeid, killing many mourners
October 31, 2025Sudan war: More than 60,000 flee el-Fasher after its capture by RSF militia, UN saysHundreds died at el-Fasher’s main hospital by RSF; includes kidnappings and ransom demands for medics. bbc.com
October 31, 2025Evidence of systematic killings in el-Fasher is described as a continuation of the Darfur genocide; it highlights ethnic targeting and RSF control issues. bbc.comOver 60,000 displaced from el-Fasher following RSF takeover; reinforces geographic divide with RSF dominating western Sudan. bbc.com
October 31, 2025BBC Verify Live: Analysing video showing arrest of Sudan fighter accused of executionsAnalysis of RSF video showing arrest of fighter involved in el-Fasher executions; part of ongoing BBC Verify investigation into atrocities. bbc.com
October 30, 2025Sudan war: RSF chief promises investigation as anger mounts over el-Fasher killingsRSF leader orders probe into violations during el-Fasher capture; reports confirm 450 killed at Saudi Hospital. bbc.com
October 29, 2025Sudan war: New videos show executions after RSF militia takes key cityBBC Verify confirms RSF executions of unarmed civilians in el-Fasher; UN reports summary killings post-capture. bbc.com
October 29, 2025Sudan war: RSF militia killed 460 people at el-Fasher hospital, says WHOLandslide in Marra Mountains kills at least 370; UN aid rushed to the remote area amid war challenges. bbc.com
October 28, 2025Fear of mass killings as thousands trapped in besieged Sudan city taken by militia groupRSF seizes el-Fasher and West Darfur sites; UN warns of attacks on civilians and infrastructure. bbc.com
October 28, 2025Sudan conflict: El-Fasher’s fall to the RSF paramilitary force raises fear of mass killingsCapture of el-Fasher marks turning point; army withdraws amid reports of civilian targeting. bbc.com
October 26, 2025El-Fasher: Rebel group claims capture of key city in SudanRSF takes el-Fasher, last SAF foothold in Darfur; UN calls for ceasefire amid displacement fears. bbc.com
October 21, 2025Sudan war: Drone attack hits Khartoum ahead of planned airport reopeningDrones target Khartoum airport area just before domestic flights resume; highlights ongoing foreign-backed strikes. bbc.com
October 4, 2025Sudan civil war: RSF makes advances over army in battle for el-FasherRSF gains ground in el-Fasher siege; could strengthen western border control if fully captured. bbc.com
September 3, 2025Race to find survivors after Sudan landslide kills hundreds in DarfurAn earthen wall constructed by RSF to trap el-Fasher residents; it intensifies the year-long siege. bbc.com
August 29, 2025El-Fasher: Barrier being built around besieged Sudan city, satellite images showWar stalemate exacerbates famine; RSF drone attacks on aid routes like Port Sudan worsen the crisis. bbc.com
June 16, 2025SAF retakes parts of Khartoum from RSF; the most significant victory in a year amid the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. bbc.comSAF retakes parts of Khartoum from RSF; most significant victory in a year amid world’s worst humanitarian crisis. bbc.com
February 7, 2025Sudan civil war: Army advances as it seek to recapture KhartoumSudan civil war: Army advances as it aims to recapture Khartoum
January 17, 2025South Sudan curfew after revenge attacks on Sudanese people and businessesSudan war: Reports of mass killings in el-Fasher in Darfur have echoes of the country’s dark past

Overview of Atrocities in El-Fasher.

El-Fasher, the last major stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur, fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on October 26, 2025, after an 18-month siege that had already caused widespread famine and displacement.

The capture has triggered a wave of reported atrocities, including summary executions, mass killings, sexual violence, looting, and kidnappings, primarily targeting non-Arab ethnic groups such as the Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa. These acts have been described by UN officials, human rights groups, and activists as potential war crimes, crimes against humanity, and a continuation of the 2003 Darfur genocide.

The RSF, descended from the Janjaweed militias, denies ethnic targeting but has admitted to “violations” and promised investigations—promises previously unfulfilled in similar cases like the 2023 el-Geneina massacre. Evidence comes from survivor testimonies, social media videos shared by RSF fighters themselves (analysed by BBC Verify and others), satellite imagery from Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), and reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Sudan Doctors Network. A communications blackout in the city has limited verification, but over 60,000 people have fled to nearby Tawila, sharing accounts of horror.

The UN estimates 250,000 civilians remain trapped, with risks of further ethnic cleansing.

Key Reported Atrocities

1. Mass Killings and Executions

  • Scale: Sudanese authorities claim at least 2,000 civilians killed since the takeover. The Sudan Doctors Network reports 1,500 deaths, while the Joint Forces (Darfuri armed groups allied with SAF) cite over 2,000 executions of unarmed civilians.
  • Methods: Fighters conducted house-to-house raids, separating men and boys of fighting age, forcing some to run before shooting them, and executing others at close range. Videos show RSF fighters in military fatigues (some with RSF patches) taunting, abusing, and shooting unarmed men lined up on the ground or near earthen berms built during the siege. One video depicts eight civilians executed in quick succession.
  • Specific Incidents:
    • Executions at El-Fasher University School of Medical Laboratory Science: CNN-verified videos show RSF fighters killing at least eight unarmed men across from the Saudi Hospital.
    • Door-to-door killings: Survivors told BBC and Al Jazeera that RSF went house-to-house, executing based on ethnicity (e.g., non-Arab men).
  • Evidence: BBC Verify confirmed multiple videos from October 27-29, 2025, showing executions near key sites like the SAF’s 6th Division headquarters. Yale HRL satellite images (October 27-28) reveal clusters of objects consistent with bodies (up to 60 new mounds in Daraja Oula neighbourhood) and reddish discolourations indicating blood, alongside RSF vehicles.

2. Attack on Saudi Maternity Hospital (October 28-29, 2025)

  • Details: RSF fighters stormed the city’s last functioning hospital, killing patients in beds, companions, and staff. The WHO reports 460 deaths, including inpatients in wards and outpatients in clinics. The Sudan Doctors Network confirms “cold-blooded” killings, with fighters roaming corridors executing those sheltering there.
  • Additional Abuses: Six medics (four doctors, a pharmacist, and a nurse) were kidnapped; ransoms were demanded exceeding $150,000. Looting of medical facilities and pharmacies reported.
  • Evidence: Social media videos filmed by RSF show executions amid dead bodies in the hospital. The El-Fasher Resistance Committee described a “horrifying silence” following the attack. Yale HRL images show body clusters on hospital grounds. MSF and local medics treated overflow wounded in Tawila, corroborating accounts.
  • Context: The hospital was overwhelmed by the siege; this attack destroyed the last major medical facility in North Darfur.

3. Sexual Violence and Rape

  • Reports: UN humanitarian teams and UNHCR document rapes along escape routes and in house raids, targeting women and girls. Survivors fleeing to Tawila narrated “horrendous stories” of sexual assaults during the flight.
  • Scale: Part of broader patterns, with OHCHR warning of “grave rights violations” against 130,000 children, including sexual violence.

4. Looting, Kidnappings, and Extortion

  • Details: RSF fighters stripped fleeing civilians of belongings, beat and insulted them, and demanded ransoms for captives—some later executed. Traps like fake wells en route to Tawila led to ambushes, with 22 men killed in one incident.
  • Impact: Exacerbates famine; pre-fall siege forced residents to eat animal feed (“ambaz”), and post-fall looting has worsened shortages.

5. Pre-Fall Atrocities During the Siege (May 2024-October 2025)

  • Drone Strikes: On October 11, 2025, an attack on a displacement shelter killed 57 (including 17 children), per Sudan Doctors Network.
  • Intentional Targeting: Yale HRL documented RSF violations of international law, including bombardment of civilians. An earthen “kill box” berm (9km built July-August 2025) trapped residents.
  • UN Accusations: Crimes against humanity during the siege; the U.S. labelled RSF actions as genocide against non-Arabs.

Humanitarian and Broader Impact

  • Displacement: Over 60,000 fled to Tawila by October 31, overwhelming shelters; UNHCR struggles with food and aid. MSF reports 1,000+ arrivals nightly via dangerous routes.
  • Famine and Disease: Siege caused famine declaration in Zamzam camp (April 2025, 1,500+ killed in RSF attack); el-Fasher’s fall risks similar in the city.
  • International Response: UN Relief Chief Tom Fletcher called for a ceasefire and safe passage. African Union demands investigations. Experts urge pressure on RSF backers, such as the UAE.
Atrocity TypeEstimated VictimsKey Sources/Evidence
Executions of Unarmed Civilians1,500–2,000+BBC Verify videos, Yale HRL satellite images, survivor testimonies to BBC/Al Jazeera
Saudi Hospital Massacre460 (patients, staff, companions)WHO, Sudan Doctors Network, RSF-filmed videos
Sexual ViolenceDozens reported (ongoing)UNHCR, UN OHCHR, Tawila arrivals
Kidnappings/Extortion6+ medics; unspecified civiliansSudan Doctors Network, BBC survivor interviews
Pre-Fall Drone Strike57 (incl. 17 children)Sudan Doctors Network, activists

RSF Response and Scepticism. RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”) expressed regret on October 30, ordering a probe and releasing a video of the arrest of a fighter “, Abu Lulu” (identified by BBC Verify in execution videos). TikTok banned his account. However, RSF denies hospital attacks and ethnic motives, calling reports “propaganda.” Past probes (e.g., 2023 el-Geneina) yielded no accountability. This crisis underscores Sudan’s war (150,000+ dead, 12 million displaced since 2023). For real-time updates, monitor BBC or UN channels.