Date: 30 October 2025
El-Fasher, Sudan – Newly released footage analyzed by BBC Verify shows armed fighters affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan allegedly executing unarmed civilians after taking control of the city of El-Fasher. One fighter, identified through social media and open-source investigations as Abu Lulu, appears prominently in multiple videos depicting brutal acts.
The RSF, a paramilitary group notorious for its role in Sudan’s recent conflicts, has waged a bloody struggle against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for more than two years. This week, RSF fighters captured a key military installation in El-Fasher, following a prolonged siege.
Evidence from BBC Verify and CIR
Several clips circulating online show men dressed in military attire, some displaying insignia consistent with RSF symbols, committing acts that constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. In a statement to BBC, Denise Brown, the UN coordinator for Sudan, confirmed that credible reports indicate extrajudicial killings of unarmed civilians took place in El-Fasher.
BBC Verify collaborated with the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) to verify the location of the footage. The recordings place Abu Lulu and other fighters in the northwest part of the city. However, due to low video quality, it is difficult to determine definitively whether all deceased individuals are civilians or combatants.
Who is Abu Lulu?
Abu Lulu has been active with the RSF for several years, according to a BBC investigation of his social media presence and public activity.
In one video first circulated last week, Abu Lulu is seen standing among corpses in an area of El-Fasher. Subsequent videos show him participating in shootings of unarmed prisoners, some kneeling and guarded by armed RSF personnel. Analysis of these clips confirmed that all videos emerged online within the past week.
In one particularly disturbing clip, Abu Lulu interrogates a wounded man on the ground, verbally threatening him for not providing information before executing him at point-blank range. In another, he is seen standing alongside multiple armed RSF fighters while guarding at least nine unarmed detainees. Abu Lulu points his rifle at one of the men before firing; the other fighters react with gestures of celebration.
Additional footage shows Abu Lulu in the background of scenes containing dozens of bodies, with other armed men wearing clothing and insignia consistent with RSF uniforms. One patch displays a circular emblem with a black stripe, matching known RSF symbols.
Official RSF Response
In August 2025, the RSF issued a statement declaring that any member confirmed to have committed unlawful killings would be held accountable. The statement read:
“If it is confirmed that a member of our forces is responsible for such actions, they will be immediately held to account.”
However, as of now, Abu Lulu has not been publicly identified by RSF authorities, nor have any disciplinary measures been confirmed.
Background: Sudan’s 2023 Conflict
Sudan’s armed forces and the RSF have been engaged in violent conflict since 2023, following the collapse of a fragile power-sharing arrangement. Over 150,000 people have been killed, and nearly 12 million displaced nationwide, according to UN estimates.
The capture of El-Fasher marks a strategic gain for RSF, though Sudanese military forces have since reclaimed significant areas, including the capital, Khartoum. Currently, the Sudanese military controls much of the north and east, while RSF maintains strongholds in Darfur and parts of neighboring Kordofan.
Historical Context of RSF Atrocities
RSF’s roots trace back to the notorious Janjaweed militias, responsible for widespread killings and ethnic violence in Darfur from 2003 to 2005. Many former Janjaweed fighters subsequently joined RSF. Historically, these forces have been implicated in mass killings, forced displacement, and other war crimes.
Human rights organizations consider the killings of unarmed civilians and surrendered combatants to constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions. The involvement of Abu Lulu in such actions raises serious concerns about continued impunity within RSF ranks.
Satellite Evidence and Verification
In recent months, U.S.-based researchers have analyzed satellite imagery of El-Fasher, indicating that several streets experienced mass executions following the RSF takeover. These findings corroborate eyewitness accounts and open-source video evidence collected by BBC Verify.
The footage highlights patterns of coordinated violence, where detainees are lined up, interrogated, and executed under the supervision of armed RSF fighters. Abu Lulu appears repeatedly in these videos, making him a key figure in the investigation.
International Reactions
The United Nations has condemned the reported killings and called for immediate investigations. Denise Brown emphasized that reliable reports of extrajudicial killings must be addressed to prevent further human rights violations:
“We are monitoring reports closely and urge all parties to comply with international law. Deliberate targeting of civilians is unacceptable and must be prosecuted.”
Human rights groups have echoed these concerns, noting that failure to investigate or prosecute individuals like Abu Lulu could perpetuate cycles of violence in Darfur and beyond.
Impact on Local Communities
The people of El-Fasher, already traumatized by prolonged conflict, now face additional fear and insecurity. Reports indicate that civilians are hesitant to move freely, fearing RSF reprisals. Families of victims have demanded accountability for killings and other abuses.
Local authorities and community leaders describe Abu Lulu and other RSF fighters as symbols of terror in the region. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of unarmed men being rounded up, threatened, and executed in public areas, spreading fear throughout the city.
Ongoing Conflict and Future Risks
Although Sudanese military forces have made recent gains, RSF continues to maintain control in parts of western Darfur. Analysts warn that unless accountability mechanisms are strengthened, fighters like Abu Lulu may continue to commit atrocities with impunity.
The current conflict underscores the fragility of Sudan’s governance structures and the difficulty of protecting civilians in contested territories. The ongoing presence of armed groups with historical ties to mass violence increases the risk of further human rights violations.
Next Steps in Investigation
BBC Verify and international partners, including CIR, continue to track and document RSF activities through satellite imagery, social media analysis, and open-source video verification. The goal is to build a comprehensive record of abuses and identify individuals responsible for war crimes.
Human rights observers have called on both Sudanese authorities and the international community to:
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Launch independent investigations into killings of civilians and prisoners.
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Hold RSF members accountable, including leaders like Abu Lulu.
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Ensure protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
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Provide humanitarian assistance to displaced and affected communities.
Conclusion
The identification of Abu Lulu as a key participant in killings of unarmed civilians in El-Fasher highlights the ongoing humanitarian and legal challenges in Sudan. While RSF consolidates control over parts of Darfur, the international community faces urgent pressure to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice for victims.
As Sudan remains in turmoil, documenting and exposing the actions of fighters like Abu Lulu is crucial to deterring future violations and supporting the broader quest for accountability, peace, and security in the region.
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