Sudanese forces uncover mass grave in Kurmuk amid ongoing Blue Nile conflict
The discovery of at least 25 bodies, including children and hospital staff, follows the army’s recapture of the town, while the World Health Organization estimates the wider conflict has displaced over 14 million people.
Sudanese armed forces have discovered a mass grave containing at least 25 bodies in Kurmuk, a town in the southeastern Blue Nile State, one month after regaining control of the area. The discovery was made during sweeping operations in the northeastern part of the town, with local officials accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of executing the victims during their occupation.
Abdel Aty Mohamed al-Faki, the commissioner of Kurmuk, announced the findings on Sunday, stating that the remains included children, women, and hospital staff. According to al-Faki, the victims were executed near Jebel Fankat, a hilltop position previously utilised by the RSF to launch drone attacks against the area.
The revelation comes as hostilities continue to escalate across the region. Al Jazeera reporter Almigdad al-Ruhaid, reporting from Khartoum, described the discovery as significant and disturbing, noting that RSF attacks in Kurmuk have persisted for a second consecutive day. The paramilitary group has launched explosive drone strikes in the city, indicating that despite shifts in territorial control, the fighting remains active and volatile.
Intense combat is also reported in West Darfur, the main stronghold for the RSF. Sudanese armed forces have reportedly repelled RSF attacks in Bir Saliba, a location approximately 40km from the city of el-Geneina. The ongoing violence in both Blue Nile State and West Darfur continues to drive mass displacement, with the conflict creating a humanitarian crisis that spans multiple states.
Since the war began in April 2023, the RSF has faced accusations of mass killings in various locations, including the capital, Khartoum, the city of el-Fasher, and Gezeira state. The World Health Organization estimates that the conflict has resulted in approximately 40,000 deaths and forced more than 14 million people to flee their homes, underscoring the severe human cost of the ongoing instability.
