The recent analysis by BBC Verify has unveiled shocking evidence regarding a massacre in the Sudanese town of al-Seriha, identifying the perpetrators as members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. This attack, which took place on October 25, resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, although the UN suggests the toll could be even higher at 124. Eyewitness accounts reveal horrific scenes of unarmed civilians being executed at point-blank range, a brutal act seemingly motivated by the defection of a senior RSF commander, Abu Aqla Keikal, to the national army. Despite the evidence, an RSF representative has denied any involvement, claiming that their mission is to protect civilians rather than harm them.
The backdrop of this massacre is rooted in the ongoing power struggle in Sudan, which has erupted into a 20-month conflict between military authorities and the RSF. Human rights groups have condemned both sides for committing widespread atrocities, marking a dark chapter in the country’s history. Following Keikal’s defection, RSF fighters launched a series of violent reprisal attacks, with BBC Verify documenting a specific incident in al-Seriha. Investigations indicated that this brutal campaign included at least 69 separate assaults on various towns and villages in the region, fueled by anger over the defection that signified a significant shift in loyalty among RSF troops.
First-hand accounts from survivors highlight the horror experienced during the attack on al-Seriha. Mohammad Ismail, a local resident, recounted how he ran to save his family while gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on the civilian population. The attackers—many of whom were former residents—demonstrated a shocking cruelty, gunning down individuals who attempted to flee and further executing those they captured. The aftermath of the massacre was marked by a graphic display of bodies, with BBC Verify confirming at least 82 fatalities through video evidence that showed victims in the courtyard of a mosque, corroborated by detailed satellite imagery.
The investigative effort by BBC Verify relied not only on eyewitness testimonies but also on various media and digital footage produced by the attackers themselves. Videos depicting RSF fighters celebrating their assault and referencing the defection of Keikal were analyzed, with clear RSF insignia visible on uniforms. Despite the denials from the RSF, evidence pointed unequivocally towards their involvement, including testimonies from residents who could identify known RSF fighters among the attackers. The nature of the claims made by the RSF spokesperson, suggesting that uniforms could easily be acquired to frame the RSF for crimes, did little to detract from the mounting evidence against them.
The grim reality of civilian casualties was further compounded by reports of mass graves, with satellite images capturing new earth mounds in local cemeteries that had not existed prior to the massacre. The gruesome evidence collected indicated that these graves were freshly dug, likely containing many of those killed in the attack. Eyewitnesses also corroborated the existence of mass graves, hinting at a significantly high death toll that might reach as many as 140, according to local civil society groups. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability amidst ongoing violence in Sudan.
In the aftermath of the initial violence, surviving males from al-Seriha were taken captive, faced mockery by their captors, and were subjected to conditions of extreme humiliation. Captives were filmed being taunted and forced to make animal sounds, demonstrating a shocking level of brutality that went beyond mere killing. Reports emerged suggesting that captives were later released only upon payment of hefty ransom fees, reinforcing claims of exploitation and further compounding the trauma experienced by the community. The total number of abducted individuals has not been confirmed, but local leaders indicated that a substantial number were taken, with reports of fatalities among the captives continuing to emerge.
The international community has reacted strongly to these events, with numerous human rights organizations and the UN denouncing the attacks and calling for accountability for the violence in Gezira state. The US Ambassador to the UN emphasized the necessity for countries to suspend weapon supplies to both combatant factions rooted in a cycle of violence that has resulted in catastrophic human suffering. As the situation in Sudan grows increasingly dire, the voices for justice and the call for humanitarian support continue to rise, demanding safety and dignity for the Sudanese people who have suffered through relentless conflict and atrocities.