**Bloodied Streets of el-Fasher: Sudan's Darkest Hour** In the scorching deserts of North Darfur, a city once known for its vibrant markets and warm hospitality has been reduced to a battleground. The UN has accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan, of committing war crimes and a possible crime against humanity during their takeover of el-Fasher last year. According to a recent report by the UN Human Rights Office, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the RSF and its allies committed heinous acts, including murder, intentional attacks on civilians, rape, torture, and using starvation as a tool of war. These atrocities may also amount to a crime against humanity if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against any civilian population. The RSF seized control of el-Fasher on October 26, 2025, after an 18-month siege that cut off the city from food, medicine, and essential supplies, prompting warnings of mass starvation. Tens of thousands of residents fled the city, with many describing widespread violence on their journey out of el-Fasher. Human rights advocates and experts warned of mass killings, and the UN report has confirmed these fears. The report details the gruesome attack on an El Fasher University dormitory called Al-Rashid, where about 1,000 civilians took shelter. RSF fighters besieged the building, opened fire with heavy weapons, and killed about 500 people. One witness described the scene as "like a horror movie." The report also documents several instances of summary executions, where civilians accused of collaborating with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied groups were killed. The RSF and its supporters initially tried to downplay the atrocities, accusing allied armed groups of being responsible. However, the UN is calling for a thorough investigation into these crimes. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged the Sudanese authorities to hold those responsible accountable and provide justice to the victims. For Nigerians, the situation in el-Fasher serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the devastating consequences of conflict. As we continue to grapple with our own security challenges, we must also stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Sudan, who are fighting for their rights and their lives. The international community must come together to support the people of Sudan and hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.