Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been extorting ransoms from families of its captured victims in the besieged city of el-Fasher, leaving many civilians living in fear and terror. In October, the paramilitary group stormed the city, leading to widespread violence, including summary executions, rape, and mass looting.
Since then, dozens of people have been abducted by RSF fighters, who demand hefty sums from their families for their release. According to local monitors, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and victims' families, it is estimated that thousands of people have paid these ransoms, with amounts ranging from $20 to $20,000.
The situation has left many families in a state of desperation, as the RSF has largely denied committing atrocities against its own forces. However, eyewitness accounts suggest otherwise, including reports of ethnic violence targeting non-Arab civilians, who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring villages.
One family, that of 27-year-old Mabrooka, was particularly affected when her husband and brother were taken by RSF fighters. They were later released after Mabrooka's family paid a ransom of $20,000. Despite the reunion, they are still living in fear, with the family believing that the RSF could soon target them again.
The humanitarian crisis in el-Fasher has seen over 70,000 people displaced since October 26, with many more feared to be unaccounted for. According to the United Nations, only around 6,000 of those displaced have reached safety in Tawila, leaving many families still searching for loved ones.
Videos have emerged showing RSF fighters holding victims for ransom, including a professor who pleaded with his colleagues to pay a $3,330 ransom to secure his release. The case highlights the desperation and fear that civilians are experiencing at the hands of the RSF.
Humanitarian agencies are warning that thousands of people may have been abducted by the RSF, with many more feared to be in danger. Relief efforts are being hampered by the conflict and a lack of information from the government about the situation on the ground.
In summary, the Sudanese government's paramilitary forces are engaging in a series of horrific human rights abuses against civilians, including extortion ransoms that have left families in fear for their lives.
Since then, dozens of people have been abducted by RSF fighters, who demand hefty sums from their families for their release. According to local monitors, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and victims' families, it is estimated that thousands of people have paid these ransoms, with amounts ranging from $20 to $20,000.
The situation has left many families in a state of desperation, as the RSF has largely denied committing atrocities against its own forces. However, eyewitness accounts suggest otherwise, including reports of ethnic violence targeting non-Arab civilians, who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring villages.
One family, that of 27-year-old Mabrooka, was particularly affected when her husband and brother were taken by RSF fighters. They were later released after Mabrooka's family paid a ransom of $20,000. Despite the reunion, they are still living in fear, with the family believing that the RSF could soon target them again.
The humanitarian crisis in el-Fasher has seen over 70,000 people displaced since October 26, with many more feared to be unaccounted for. According to the United Nations, only around 6,000 of those displaced have reached safety in Tawila, leaving many families still searching for loved ones.
Videos have emerged showing RSF fighters holding victims for ransom, including a professor who pleaded with his colleagues to pay a $3,330 ransom to secure his release. The case highlights the desperation and fear that civilians are experiencing at the hands of the RSF.
Humanitarian agencies are warning that thousands of people may have been abducted by the RSF, with many more feared to be in danger. Relief efforts are being hampered by the conflict and a lack of information from the government about the situation on the ground.
In summary, the Sudanese government's paramilitary forces are engaging in a series of horrific human rights abuses against civilians, including extortion ransoms that have left families in fear for their lives.
... and the worst part is that these groups are denying any wrong doing, its not fair on the civilians who have been through so much trauma already 
... something needs to be done about this, the international community should be stepping in to help bring those responsible to justice 
... and what really gets me is how many people have lost their lives or been forced to flee their homes, its like they're invisible 
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I'm so worried about these families living in el-Fasher. Can you imagine having to pay $20k to get your loved one back? It's like they're being blackmailed and it's just not right. 
The lack of info from the government is frustrating too - shouldn't they be doing more to protect these civilians?
As a parent, it's just heartbreaking to think about kids who've lost family members and now have to live with that trauma forever.
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so many ppl have to deal with this horror every day. can we get some updates on what's happening in el-fasher pls?
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anyway u can imagine how scary it must be for families who have lost loved ones or are worried they'll lose them next? 
but seriously tho, cmon rsf ur a paramilitary group not a extortion racket wut kinda "protection" are u offering?
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. The Sudanese government needs to take responsibility for what's happening on the ground and provide some real information about the situation. This lack of transparency is just making things worse 
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. The government needs to step up and provide some real support to the people affected by this crisis, instead of just sweeping it under the rug.
. It's like they're targeting innocent families who are just trying to survive.
is really frustrating. I think it's time for someone to hold them accountable. The situation is also super heartbreaking when you see videos of people being held hostage for ransom, like that professor who was pleading with his colleagues to pay up 
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. It's not fair that over 70,000 people have been displaced and many more are still unaccounted for 
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. It's not just a moral issue, it's also a matter of supporting those who are being targeted and protecting innocent civilians 
. We need to do everything we can to support the victims of this conflict and bring justice to those responsible 
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