Khartoum, Sudan – Witnesses have accused Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of abducting children during attacks in Darfur, including the capture of al-Fashir in October, raising fresh concerns about atrocities in the country’s ongoing civil war.
Allegations of Abductions
According to Reuters, 26 people reported that at least 56 children ranging from a two-month-old baby to teenagers were kidnapped in separate incidents over several years.
Witnesses said:
- In some cases, RSF fighters killed the children’s parents before abducting them.
- Families were told their children would be used as slaves or to herd livestock.
- Some children were reportedly held as ransom leverage, with witnesses threatened or coerced into silence.
Six witnesses described their own relatives being taken.
Context of the Conflict
The RSF has been at war with the Sudanese army since April 2023, a conflict that has devastated the country. Both sides have been accused by rights groups of committing war crimes, including the recruitment of child soldiers.
However, this marks the first time reports have surfaced alleging the RSF is systematically abducting and enslaving children.
RSF Response
The RSF did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations of abductions, killings, and abuse of minors. Previously, the group has denied deliberately targeting civilians and claimed it has investigated fighters suspected of abuses.
Reuters noted it has not been possible to independently verify the accounts or determine the total number of children abducted or their current fate.
Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan’s civil war has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions from their homes. The fighting has triggered famine and disease, with the United Nations describing the situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Conclusion
The allegations of child abductions by the RSF add a harrowing dimension to Sudan’s conflict, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and humanitarian intervention. As the war continues to devastate Darfur and beyond, the plight of abducted children highlights the human cost of a crisis that shows no signs of abating.
