OTTAWA – An international coalition working on atrocity prevention and accountability in Sudan warned on Monday that the risk of further large-scale atrocities remains acute, one year after mass killings, sexual violence and other abuses accompanied the Rapid Support Forces’ capture of El Fasher in North Darfur.

The Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan said civilians across the country continue to face violence, displacement, attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian assistance.

It also warned that the growing use of drones in attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure was deepening humanitarian needs and protection risks.

The statement marked the first anniversary of Oct. 26, 2025, when violence in and around El Fasher reached what the coalition described as a devastating peak following months of siege and escalating RSF attacks.

The coalition said civilians were subjected to mass killings, ethnically motivated killings, summary executions, torture, disappearances, forced recruitment, arbitrary detention and widespread sexual and gender-based violence.

Entire communities were displaced and humanitarian access was obstructed, worsening hunger, insecurity and deprivation, it said.

The coalition cited findings by the U.N. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan documenting serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in and around El Fasher.

It welcomed the renewal of the U.N. mission’s mandate and also expressed support for the African Union’s fact-finding efforts and cooperation between the two bodies.

The coalition said the consequences of the El Fasher atrocities continue to affect survivors a year later, while similar patterns of violence remain present elsewhere in Sudan.

It highlighted the systematic and widespread use of sexual violence, continuing displacement and repeated attacks affecting civilian infrastructure and humanitarian operations.

The statement also condemned restrictions on humanitarian access and attacks on humanitarian workers, local responders and frontline aid providers.

The coalition said such restrictions were worsening suffering for millions of civilians and increasing the risk of further atrocities.

Calls for Accountability

The coalition said justice and accountability were essential to any sustainable peace in Sudan and called for serious violations and abuses to be investigated and prosecuted.

It pledged continued support for Sudanese and international accountability efforts, including the work of the International Criminal Court in Darfur and future transitional justice processes.

The coalition also emphasized the role of Sudanese human rights defenders and civil society organizations in documenting abuses, supporting survivors and shaping accountability efforts.

It said those groups often operate at significant personal risk.

Victims of conflict-related sexual violence must also have safe and confidential access to medical, psychological and legal support, the statement said.

The coalition said there was no military solution to Sudan’s conflict and called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

It also urged states with influence over the parties to act to prevent further atrocities and help end the war.

The statement specifically called on governments to stop arming, financing or otherwise enabling the conflict and to comply fully with U.N. sanctions, including the arms embargo on Darfur.

The RSF captured El Fasher in October 2025 after a prolonged siege that had already created severe shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies.

Subsequent investigations by U.N. bodies and human rights organizations documented large-scale killings, sexual violence, detention, torture and abuses targeting civilians during and after the city’s fall.

A year later, humanitarian and rights organizations continue to report severe insecurity in El Fasher and across North Darfur, while tens of thousands of displaced civilians remain dependent on limited humanitarian assistance.

The coalition said the anniversary should serve as a warning against allowing similar atrocities to recur elsewhere in Sudan.

“One year after El Fasher, our message is clear: the victims will not be forgotten, survivors will be heard, and we will continue to pursue accountability for those responsible,” the statement said.