Sudan opens mass trial against RSF-linked suspects over war crimes

A Sudanese anti-terrorism court in Port Sudan began trial proceedings against 201 defendants on Monday, accused of crimes linked to the ongoing conflict, including Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

The trial follows a decree by the army chief and head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to establish a national committee to investigate alleged abuses committed by the RSF since the war erupted. Suspects are being tried both in person and in absentia on charges ranging from waging war against the state and undermining the constitutional order to backing armed rebellion.

Prosecutors say the committee has registered around 12,400 cases tied to the paramilitary group. The charges include high-profile allegations such as the killing of the West Darfur governor and the takeover of Gezira state, as well as murder, forced displacement, looting and widespread sexual violence.

During the opening session, the prosecution outlined evidence gathered over more than two and a half years of investigations. Those accused, identified as RSF members or alleged collaborators, are also charged with taking part in military operations against the Sudanese army, illegal weapons possession and crimes against humanity, offenses that carry the death penalty if convictions are secured.

Story compiled with assistance from wire reports