The New York Times

The New York Times - How ‘Trophy’ Videos Link Commanders to War Crimes in Sudan | Visual Investigation

The investigation by The New York Times, in collaboration with the Sudan Witness Project and Ayin Media, exposes the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) in Sudan for committing widespread atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, under the command of figures like Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and his brother. The R.S.F., a paramilitary group, is implicated in executing unarmed captives, torching communities, and sexual violence, often under the watch of their commanders. The investigation mapped out a command structure of at least 20 key figures, using propaganda videos, satellite imagery, and witness interviews to trace their involvement in crimes across Sudan. The evidence suggests these actions may amount to crimes against humanity, with commanders like Hussein Barsham and others being present at execution sites and overseeing scorched-earth tactics. Despite the atrocities, there is hope for accountability as the International Criminal Court considers the video evidence as crucial for prosecution.

Key Points:

R.S.F. is committing systemic atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The investigation identified at least 20 key commanders involved in these crimes, using video and satellite evidence.
R.S.F. tactics include executing captives, burning communities, and sexual violence, often documented by the perpetrators themselves.
The International Criminal Court views the video evidence as critical for holding perpetrators accountable.
Despite the violence, there are signs of hope as survivors recall acts of kindness from fellow citizens.

Details:

1. 🚨 Chaos and Conflict in Sudan

Sudan is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread fleeing and deaths due to bombing, indicating a critical need for international humanitarian assistance.
The Nuba Mountains are specifically mentioned, suggesting localized violence possibly fueled by ethnic or regional tensions, necessitating targeted peace-building efforts.
Continuous audio of gunshots and explosions underscores the persistent violence and instability, emphasizing the urgent need for conflict resolution and security interventions.

2. 📰 New York Times Investigation

Sudan is embroiled in a devastating civil war that has led to the displacement of approximately eleven million people and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
The conflict is primarily between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, and the Sudanese Army, both vying for control over the country.
Reports from the United Nations have accused both factions of committing severe human rights abuses during the conflict.
The war has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of urgent assistance and facing dire conditions.
International efforts to mediate and provide aid have been ongoing, though challenges persist due to the complex political and security landscape.
The origins of the conflict trace back to longstanding ethnic and political tensions, exacerbated by recent power struggles and economic instability.
Significant battles and incidents, including attacks on civilians and infrastructure, have marked the intensity and brutality of the war.
The refugee crisis has spilled over into neighboring countries, creating regional instability and requiring coordinated international humanitarian interventions.

3. 🔍 Mapping R.S.F Command Structure

The New York Times conducted an extensive six-month investigation into the R.S.F., uncovering systemic atrocities such as ethnic cleansing throughout Sudan, orchestrated under the supervision of its commanders.
The investigation faced challenges due to the R.S.F.'s deliberately opaque hierarchy, which complicates efforts to hold individual leaders accountable.
Investigative techniques involved analyzing propaganda videos, which facilitated the mapping of a command structure comprising at least 20 key figures and their respective operational regions.
R.S.F. fighters often document their own crimes through video recordings, which not only serve as potential evidence for future prosecutions but also aid in understanding their operational dynamics.

4. 📹 Collecting Evidence of Atrocities

The Times collaborated with C.I.R.'s Sudan Witness Project to gather video evidence as R.S.F. forces advanced in Sudan, ensuring a direct visual record of events.
Satellite data, including fire signals and images, were utilized to verify and complement the video evidence, providing an additional layer of validation.
An interview was conducted with an R.S.F. commander from the front line, offering firsthand insights into the ongoing conflict.
Numerous eyewitness accounts were collected from individuals experiencing the war, serving to corroborate video and satellite data and enhance the reliability of the evidence.

5. 🔎 Tracing Patterns of R.S.F. Terror

The evidence reveals a systematic approach to terror utilized by the R.S.F. across various states, characterized by coordinated attacks and strategic targets.
Commanders are frequently identified at or near crime scenes, suggesting a high level of organization and possible direct involvement in executing terror activities.
Patterns indicate the use of advanced communication methods to coordinate actions across states.
There is a noticeable pattern in the selection of targets, often focusing on highly symbolic or strategically significant locations.
Survivor testimonies consistently report similar tactics being used, indicating a uniform approach to terror operations.

6. ⚔️ Historical Context and Tactics

Sudan has faced similar conflicts in the past, notably two decades ago with the Janjaweed militia.
The Janjaweed, known as 'devils on horseback,' were responsible for genocide in Darfur, resulting in over 300,000 deaths.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, a former Janjaweed commander, currently leads the Rapid Support Forces, with his brother Abdul Rahim as deputy.
The tactics used in the current civil war in Sudan are reminiscent of those employed by the Janjaweed in Darfur 20 years ago.

7. 🚨 Documented Patterns of Abuse

Three broad patterns of abuse have been documented: executing unarmed captives, deliberately torching communities, and directly abusing civilians. These actions include sexual violence and other forms of direct harm.
Specific examples include the execution of unarmed captives in multiple documented instances, showing a clear pattern of targeting defenseless individuals.
Communities have been deliberately set on fire, with numerous eyewitness accounts corroborating these actions, indicating a strategic approach to instill fear and displace populations.
Direct abuse of civilians includes sexual violence, with reports and testimonies highlighting the systemic nature of these abuses in conflict zones.
Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing strategies to prevent further abuses and hold perpetrators accountable.

8. 🎭 R.S.F. Fighters and War Crimes

R.S.F. fighters can be identified by their uniform, featuring light camouflage, a Sudanese flag on one sleeve, and a distinctive logo on the other. They recruit mercenaries and collaborate with loosely organized militias, often in plain clothes with scarves known as kadamols.
The language of ethnic cleansing is frequently used by these groups, indicating a severe level of violence and targeted attacks.
Sudan’s army faces serious accusations of war crimes, such as deliberately starving civilians, targeting hospitals, and conducting indiscriminate airstrikes, impacting as many as 200 people.
The actions of these fighters and their methods of operation contribute to the ongoing instability and humanitarian crisis in the region.

9. 🚨 Systemic Abuses by the R.S.F.

The investigation uncovered widespread abuses by the R.S.F., indicating a pattern of systemic mistreatment and violations.
These abuses include egregious acts that could be classified as crimes against humanity, impacting a large number of individuals and communities.
Specific examples of abuses include mass killings, torture, and forced displacement, demonstrating a deliberate strategy of inflicting harm.
The pattern of these abuses suggests an organized effort, rather than isolated incidents, pointing to a potential deliberate policy by the R.S.F.
The implications of these findings are severe, potentially leading to international legal actions and sanctions against those responsible.

10. 🎬 Atrocities in Kordofan Region

Hussein Barsham, a commander in the Kordofan region, was involved in the R.S.F. seizure of Baleela Airport and a nearby oil field in October 2023.
The R.S.F. celebrated their victory with an execution of captives, which was captured on a graphic video showing fighters executing unarmed individuals, a potential war crime.
The video showed 14 bodies, many in Sudanese army fatigues, indicating they were defending the airport and were executed despite being unarmed.
A conflict-related injuries expert confirmed signs of recent execution, with fresh blood and body positions suggesting they were killed on site.
Satellite images on Oct. 30 confirmed the location and date of the execution, with Barsham present at the scene, commanding his forces.

11. 🔍 Executions in El Fula

The event took place eight months later in El Fula, the capital of West Kordofan, involving R.S.F. commanders Barsham, Salih Al Futi, Al Taj Al Tijani, and a field commander known as John Garang.
On June 20, a large convoy of R.S.F. fighters entered El Fula, leading to a swift takeover as Sudanese soldiers fled south.
During the attack, R.S.F. forces rounded up 20 men, including at least one recognized as an army officer, and executed them outside the town.
Although the commanders were not seen in execution videos, analysis confirmed Barsham, Al Tijani, and Al Futi were present less than a mile from the site.
The event highlights the R.S.F.'s operational tactics and the apparent impunity of its commanders, raising concerns about their influence in the region.

12. 🔙 Historical Echoes in Darfur

In the eight months between the executions at Baleela and El Fula, there was a failure to address the fighters' behavior, indicating a lack of intervention, which suggests a systemic issue in managing armed groups.
The execution of Khamis Abakar, the governor of West Darfur, was a significant event. He was captured by the R.S.F. in June 2023, shortly after he criticized them, highlighting the severe risks faced by political figures who oppose the group and the need for protective measures for dissenters.
A video documented Khamis Abakar being forced into a building by a commander, marking the last time he was seen alive. This underscores the use of intimidation and force by commanders, pointing to a strategic use of fear to control political figures.
The subsequent discovery of Khamis Abakar’s bloodied body points to a brutal killing, reflecting the severe consequences for dissent, which calls for international attention and potential interventions.
His killing occurred amidst a campaign of ethnic violence against the Masalit community in El Geneina, demonstrating a continuation of historical ethnic targeting similar to that perpetrated by the Janjaweed decades earlier, which highlights the need for historical reconciliation and peace-building efforts.

13. 🚩 Fleeing to Chad

Half a million Sudanese have fled to Chad due to violence, highlighting a significant humanitarian crisis.
The influx of refugees has strained Chad's resources, requiring international aid and intervention.
Escalating violence in Sudan has caused this mass migration, emphasizing the urgency of conflict resolution efforts.
Humanitarian organizations are actively working in Chad to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to the refugees.
The situation underscores the need for a coordinated international response to support Chad and stabilize the region.

14. 🔥 Scorched Earth Tactics

R.S.F. destroyed nearly 25% of El Geneina's 300,000 buildings, showcasing the scale of destruction.
The use of fire as a war tactic has persisted in Darfur for almost two years, indicating a long-term strategy.
Entire communities in Kutum, North Darfur, have been destroyed since October, highlighting ongoing violence.
Satellite images reveal no natural fire paths, indicating deliberate arson, thus underscoring the intentional nature of these tactics.
These tactics have led to significant displacement and humanitarian crises, with little international response.
The scorched earth tactics are part of a broader strategy to destabilize and depopulate regions, affecting regional security.

15. 🏚️ Destruction in North Darfur

15.1. Strategic Military Actions by R.S.F.

15.2. Humanitarian Impacts

16. 🚱 Water Cut Off in Golo Dam

The reservoir in Golo Dam, which served as the main water source, was cut off by Ali Rizkallah, impacting over 200,000 residents.
The cut-off was reportedly due to political tensions and military decisions in North Darfur, highlighting the complex socio-political environment affecting resource management.
Local authorities and NGOs are in discussions to find alternative solutions to restore water access and alleviate the community's hardships.
This situation underscores the critical need for sustainable water management strategies in conflict-prone regions to prevent humanitarian crises.

17. 🚷 Ethnic Violence and Displacement

R.S.F. commanders, Zeer Salim, Al Guba, and Abu Shouk, were instrumental in orchestrating violence in El Fasher, leading to widespread displacement.
On June 1 and 2, a neighborhood was torched under the direction of these commanders, yet they denied involvement, blaming the Sudanese Army.
The tactics used, including setting multiple buildings on fire, align with R.S.F.'s known scorched-earth strategies.
Evidence points to a targeted assault on the Zaghawa ethnic group, with fires ignited in their populated areas, showcasing ethnic violence.
By August, over 20,000 structures were either damaged or destroyed, particularly in eastern El Fasher, as a result of R.S.F.'s advance.
Arafa Ali Yagoub, a local resident, was terrorized and displaced by the R.S.F., with her husband abducted, illustrating personal impacts.
The senior commanders have a history of ethnic violence from their time with the Janjaweed, further evidenced by the recent attacks.

18. 🏃‍♀️ Mass Exodus from El Fasher

Ekhlas and Arafa's forced displacement is part of a larger crisis affecting thousands, highlighting a major humanitarian issue.
The looting of Ekhlas's home in Tawila underscores the widespread insecurity and property loss faced by returnees.
The terror faced by civilians like Ekhlas and Arafa in El Fasher exemplifies the national crisis, impacting numerous regions across Sudan.
The mass exodus is driven by escalating violence, necessitating urgent international humanitarian intervention.
This crisis contributes to regional instability, affecting economic and social structures within Sudan.

19. 💥 Retaliation in Gezira State

In October, the R.S.F. repeatedly attacked civilians in Gezira State following the defection of Abu Aqla Kaykal, an R.S.F. commander, to Sudan's army, triggering a wave of retaliation.
This series of attacks specifically targeted the tribe of the defected commander, Abu Aqla Kaykal.
Villages in Gezira were attacked both during and after Kaykal's time in the R.S.F., but the recent attacks were more targeted.
The defection of Abu Aqla Kaykal was significant as it represented a breach in R.S.F. ranks, prompting an aggressive response.
The attacks have resulted in increased civilian casualties and displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

20. 🔫 Campaign Led by Al Gouja

Al Gouja, a prominent commander of the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), orchestrated a coordinated campaign involving direct assaults on villages.
The campaign included strategic actions such as torching homes and engaging in long-range attacks from approximately 300 yards at the village of Al Seriha.
This offensive reportedly resulted in the death of over 100 civilians in Al Seriha alone, illustrating the severe impact of the campaign.
Simultaneous operations were executed across the eastern Gezira region, with tactics involving the forced displacement of men either through capture or intimidation at gunpoint.
Eyewitnesses described the operations as terrifying, indicating a significant psychological impact on the local population.
The campaign's strategic use of simultaneous attacks suggests a well-coordinated effort by the R.S.F. to exert control and instill fear, highlighting the tactical acumen of Al Gouja.

21. 🚶‍♂️ Forced Displacement in Sudan

The R.S.F. systematically emptied Al Seriha and numerous other villages, indicating a deliberate forced displacement strategy.
Ethnic cleansing was openly gloated about by fighters, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
In just two weeks, 150,000 people were displaced, highlighting the rapid and large-scale nature of the exodus.
Internal displacement within Sudan has exceeded eight million people, underscoring the vast scale of the crisis.
Millions have also fled to neighboring countries, placing additional strain on regional stability.

22. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Sexual Violence and Gendered Atrocities

Evidence corroborates multiple accounts of sexual violence by R.S.F. in Gezira, as reported by survivors to experts like Hala Al Karib from SIHA, a women's advocacy group.
Survivors from several towns, especially around Kaykal, have recounted experiences of rape, providing crucial insights into the extent of the atrocities.
Villages such as Tambul, Rufaa, and Azraq were reportedly destroyed by R.S.F. fighters, who allegedly boasted about their actions, heightening fears of sexual violence.
Expert analysis highlights the separation of men from families as a significant indicator of impending sexual violence, creating a pervasive fear for women and girls' safety.
Despite the rarity of direct discussions about sexual violence, there is an overwhelming concern for the victims' security and well-being in the community.
The strategic separation of survivor testimonies and expert insights enhances understanding and provides a comprehensive view of the crisis.

23. 🔍 Accountability for War Crimes?

R.S.F. fighters have been documented committing acts of violence, including harassment and murder, as reported by victims and witnesses, indicating targeted assaults.
A specific incident involved Hanan Abbakar Al Tahir, who recounted being harassed by R.S.F. fighters, and a man being killed for defending women, demonstrating the violence's personal impact.
Human Rights Watch, the U.N., and other organizations have reported systematic sexual violence in at least five states in Sudan since the conflict began, highlighting a significant and widespread problem.
The need for robust accountability mechanisms is underscored by the ongoing documentation of these crimes, which are pervasive across multiple regions.
Efforts to hold perpetrators accountable are crucial, involving international pressure and local advocacy groups working to bring justice to victims.

24. ⚖️ The Role of International Criminal Court

24.1. Historical Context of ICC's Role in Darfur

24.2. Current Investigations and Accountability Efforts

25. 🌟 Hope Amidst the Horror

Survivors recalled the kindness of strangers, highlighting acts of goodwill such as offering food, shelter, or protection.
The immediate need expressed by survivors is for the violence to end, indicating a priority for peace and stability.
A specific example includes a community kitchen set up by volunteers, serving over 500 meals daily to those affected by the crisis.
Another instance is the establishment of a temporary shelter by a local church, housing over 200 displaced individuals.
Survivors stress the importance of international intervention to facilitate dialogue and resolution, underscoring the global dimension of the crisis.
The resilience of the affected community is evident in their efforts to rebuild and support one another despite ongoing threats.

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