UN fact-finding mission reports atrocities in Sudan, cites markers that may amount to genocide

The United Nations briefed reporters on a new fact-finding mission report on Sudan that, according to the spokesperson, provides "more evidence that atrocities committed by warring parties in North African nation constitutes distinct markers of genocide." The report said Rapid Support Forces carried out brutal attacks against civilians, including mass killings, systematic abduction of women and girls, and mass sexual violence in areas such as El Fashir, and warned similar patterns are emerging in El Abaid.

The fact-finding mission will continue its investigations and report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, and the spokesperson said the mission reiterated its call for effective accountability, "including prompt cooperation with and action by the International Criminal Court." The briefing also noted the Human Rights Council recently passed a resolution giving the mission additional tasks to report on the situation in and around El Abaid.

When asked what reaction the secretary-general wanted from the international community, the spokesperson called for a "redoubling of unified action to put a stop to the conflict in Sudan" and urged states with influence to stop sending weapons and to send messages of peace and reconciliation instead.