Sudanese envoy condemns mass atrocities in North Darfur, urges stronger int'l response
Sudanese Ambassador to Korea Amira Agarib speaks during a press briefing at the Embassy of Sudan in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Sudanese Ambassador to Korea Amira Agarib on Wednesday condemned what she described as “mass atrocities and war crimes” committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s North Darfur region, calling on the international community to take urgent action to protect civilians and enforce United Nations resolutions.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Embassy of Sudan in Seoul, Agarib said the situation in Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, had deteriorated into “a devastating tragedy” following the city’s fall to RSF forces after 18 months under siege.
“Thousands of civilians were killed after the fall of Al-Fashir. The RSF attacked hospitals, mosques, markets and homes — turning the city into a bloodbath,” she said. “They killed 2,000 civilians in two days and targeted Al-Fashir Hospital, killing 450 patients and doctors.”
She accused the RSF of committing genocide based on ethnicity and said there were verified reports of mass executions, sexual violence and people being burned or buried alive.
According to the ambassador, the U.N. Human Rights Office and independent satellite analyses have confirmed the RSF’s actions, while videos shared by the militia themselves document many of the crimes. Agarib referred to one RSF fighter, identified as Abu Lu, who allegedly confessed to killing over 600 people before being detained due to international pressure.
“The Sudanese Armed Forces made a strategic withdrawal to protect civilians,” Agarib said, adding that the government “will liberate all of Sudan and restore sovereignty and security.”
She stressed that Khartoum does not reject negotiations but would only engage under conditions that ensure civilian protection, accountability for crimes and the withdrawal of RSF troops from populated areas.
Agarib also called on the international community to distinguish between Sudan’s national military and the RSF.
“The Sudanese Armed Forces represent the official national institution of Sudan, while the Rapid Support Forces are a terrorist group,” she said.
The ambassador painted a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in North Darfur, citing figures from the U.N. refugee and children’s agencies.
According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, an estimated 26,000 people have fled Al-Fashir in recent days, facing extortion, arbitrary arrests and looting along escape routes. UNICEF reported that around 600,000 people — half of them children — have fled the city and nearby camps, with many suffering from severe malnutrition as RSF forces block aid deliveries and cut off supply lines.
“More than 6,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition are now without treatment,” Agarib said. “The RSF continues to prevent humanitarian agencies from accessing civilians trapped without food, water or medical care.”
She also warned that RSF forces committed similar crimes in North Kordofan, where the fall of the town of Bara has displaced thousands.
The ambassador expressed gratitude to the Korean government for its humanitarian assistance and appealed for continued support.
“We deeply thank the Republic of Korea for standing with the Sudanese people,” she said. “We urge all governments to continue supporting peace, security and humanitarian aid for Sudan.”
According to the U.N., the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan to address the world’s largest displacement crisis remains only 27 percent funded, leaving millions without critical assistance as the conflict enters its second year.