A new report from Yale University’s School of Public Health alleges that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces carried out a coordinated effort to conceal evidence of mass killings in the city of el-Fasher.
The findings are based on satellite imagery and other remote analysis following the RSF’s capture of the city in late October.
Researchers say the actions followed intense violence against civilians during and after the takeover.
El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, had been the Sudanese Armed Forces’ last major stronghold in the region before falling after an 18-month siege.
Monitoring groups estimate that at least 1,500 people were killed within 48 hours of the RSF gaining control.
The report was released by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab and covers the period between October 26 and November 28.
Researchers analyzed satellite imagery, open-source information, local news reporting, and remote sensing data.
The lab identified clusters of objects consistent with human remains in and around el-Fasher.
It also recorded at least 20 instances of burning objects and eight instances of disturbed earth.
According to the report, “RSF subsequently engaged in a systematic multi-week campaign to destroy evidence of its mass killings through burial, burning, and removal of human remains on a mass scale.”
The researchers said these patterns indicate ongoing efforts to erase evidence of violence.
Additional satellite images showed clusters outside the city, suggesting civilians were targeted while attempting to flee.
The analysis also indicated limited civilian activity in el-Fasher following its seizure.
Sudan has been engulfed in a civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 15, 2023.
The United Nations has described the conflict as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
More than 13 million people have been displaced, and tens of thousands are believed to have been killed.
The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militia, has faced repeated accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Earlier this month, a Sudanese doctors’ group accused the RSF of raping at least 19 women during the takeover of el-Fasher.
Despite international condemnation, the RSF has sought to present itself as a legitimate governing authority.
In June, it announced a parallel government led by its commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.