Islamic and human rights activists gathered in Nairobi today to denounce the Rapid Support Forces ,a paramilitary group from Sudan, accusing its top leadership of orchestrating killings, arbitrary detentions, and human rights abuses.
The event, held at a packed conference hall in the city center, brought together activists, survivors, and international observers who called for accountability and justice for the victims of RSF’s alleged atrocities.
The RSF, which has been implicated in numerous human rights violations in Sudan, including the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters and ethnic targeting in Darfur, has faced growing international scrutiny. Today’s event in Nairobi marked a significant escalation in the global campaign to hold the group’s leadership accountable.
Speaking at the event, renowned human rights activist Amina Mohamed delivered a passionate plea for justice.
“The RSF has blood on its hands. From the streets of Khartoum to the villages of Darfur, they have killed, detained, and terrorized innocent people. We are here today to say enough is enough. No more impunity. No more silence,” Mohamed declared, her voice echoing through the hall.
Her sentiments were echoed by Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Ibrahim, who condemned the RSF’s actions as a violation of both human rights and Islamic principles.
“Islam teaches us to value life, justice, and dignity. What the RSF is doing is not only a crime against humanity but also a sin before Allah. We cannot stand by while our brothers and sisters in Sudan suffer,” Ibrahim said.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from survivors of RSF’s alleged abuses. One such survivor, Fatima Ahmed, recounted how her family was targeted in Darfur.
“They came in the middle of the night, burning our homes and shooting anyone who tried to escape. My husband was killed, and my children were forced to flee. The RSF took everything from us,” Ahmed said, fighting back tears.
Another survivor, Mohamed Hassan, shared his experience of being detained by the RSF for participating in pro-democracy protests. “I was held for months in a dark cell, beaten, and tortured. They wanted me to confess to crimes I did not commit. Many of my friends did not survive,” Hassan revealed, his voice trembling with emotion.
The activists at the event did not limit their criticism to the RSF alone. They also called on the international community to take decisive action against the group and its leaders.
“The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the RSF. We need sanctions, travel bans, and prosecutions at the International Criminal Court,” said human rights lawyer Fatma Noor.
Noor also emphasized the role of regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU), in addressing the crisis. “The AU has a responsibility to protect the people of Sudan. They must act now to stop the RSF and hold its leaders accountable,” she urged.
The RSF has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights abuses, describing them as politically motivated. In a statement released earlier this year, the group claimed it was committed to “maintaining peace and security” in Sudan. However, activists at today’s event dismissed these claims as hollow.
“The RSF cannot whitewash its crimes with empty statements. The evidence is clear, and the world is watching,” said Sheikh Ibrahim, drawing applause from the audience.
As the event concluded, the activists issued a unified call for change, urging both the Sudanese government and the international community to take immediate action.
“We stand with the people of Sudan in their fight for justice and freedom. The RSF must be held accountable, and the victims must receive justice,” said Amina Mohamed, summing up the mood of the gathering.
The event in Nairobi marks a significant moment in the global campaign against the RSF, as activists and survivors continue to shine a spotlight on the group’s alleged crimes. With mounting pressure from both local and international actors, the question now is whether the RSF’s top brass will finally be held accountable for their actions.
For now, the voices of the victims and their advocates remain loud and clear, echoing a simple yet powerful message: justice delayed is justice denied.
