RSF has been actively engaged in humanitarian initiatives

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been actively engaged in humanitarian initiatives, guided by core values and adherence to international humanitarian law, as well as the customs and traditions of the Sudanese people. About six months ago, we proposed an initiative to release 537 members of the police forces, including officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers. In May, we initiated the release of 202 Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) prisoners of war (POWs). The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was addressed and welcomed the initiative.

The ICRC has begun procedures between the two conflicting parties to facilitate the release process. However, the SAF has been delaying and creating obstacles, hindering the successful handover.

The RSF is fully aware that the SAF refuses to receive any prisoners. Evidence includes the SAF’s bombing of one of its own headquarters in June 2023, where several senior officers were held as prisoners, resulting in the death and injury of 26 personnel.

In December 2023, the SAF obstructed the evacuation of innocent civilians, including foreigners, from the Church of St. Mary in the area of Al-Shajara in Khartoum. This evacuation, organized by the ICRC with the agreement of both parties, was targeted by the SAF, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to seven others, including three ICRC employees.

Therefore, we officially proposed to the ICRC that the RSF release POWs from the SAF and police individually. This approach aims to preserve the lives of ICRC staff and the prisoners, who have become targets for the SAF. On June 4, we received a written response to our proposal, which was annexed to the protocol on the release of the POWs.

While the SAF and its allied extremist militias are liquidating RSF prisoners, we are releasing 537 police force and 202 SAF POWs today. On these blessed days of Dhu al-Hijjah and Eid al-Adha, we pray for safety and peace for our country and our people.

The criminal and heinous actions of the SAF and its terror-driven allies linked to the former regime against innocent civilians and even their own personnel will not hinder the RSF from presenting and implementing humanitarian initiatives. We reaffirm our commitment to international humanitarian law and respect for human rights.

Office of the Official Spokesperson  
Rapid Support Forces