Survivors of supposed crimes connected to the conflict in Sudan requested Kenyan authorities on Tuesday to look into claims of abuse and sexual assault carried out by a well-known armed militia.
This marks the initial effort to bring charges against individuals from the Rapid Support Forces, also known as the RSF, the armed militia engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army for more than three years, beyond the borders of Sudan.
A faction that has faced accusations from human rights groups of carrying out acts equivalent to war crimes and crimes against humanity maintains connections with Kenya's administration. Meanwhile, Kenyan president William Ruto had earlier invited the head of RSF, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, for discussions he claimed were intended to promote peace initiatives in Sudan, an action that led to strained international relations.
A report submitted by the international law group Legal Action Worldwide outlines instances of abuse and sexual assault carried out by RSF fighters across different areas near Khartoum from April 2023 to March 2025, during the period when the city was under control of armed militias.
Twelve victims are calling on Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions to authorize legal action against ten individuals from the RSF, some of whom are thought to be living in Kenya.
The AP has reached out to RSF for a statement.
As per this new accusation, the individuals involved were kept under deplorable circumstances, receiving minimal or no food, restricted access to water, and insufficient sanitary amenities.
They claim they were hit, burnt, choked, exposed to electrical shocks, and sexually assaulted, including via sexual violence. Several individuals allegedly had to carry deceased persons out of holding centers.
Antonia Mulvey, founder of Legal Action Worldwide, stated that Kenya ought to explore legal proceedings for the reported offenses under the nation's International Crimes Act from 2008.
"Among Sudanese victims, it signifies a scarce and urgently required route to justice during a period when opportunities for holding accountable remain very restricted. At present, Sudan's judicial system is not accessible, available, or effective," she stated.
The RSF has been engaged in combat with the Sudanese armed forces since April 2023, following heightened disputes that led to full-scale fighting in Khartoum and various regions across the nation.
The faction originated from the infamous Arab Janjaweed groups, who faced accusations of extensive violence during the early 2000s targeting populations considered East or Central African within Sudan's western Darfur area.
Human rights groups and the UN have alleged that the RSF committed acts during the conflict that could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, mainly in Darfur, where the organization has significant influence.
Lawyer Willis Otieno from Kenya, who submitted the complaint within the country, mentioned that there is evidence indicating certain individuals under investigation may be connected to Kenya, and that the nation has the appropriate legal system in place to examine and bring charges for these offenses.
Otieno characterized Kenya's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as capable, stating, "We believe the DPP will take action."
The RSF has previously faced allegations of large-scale killings, sexual violence, and ethnic-based offenses, with the latest incidents occurring in October when they attacked the Darfur town of El-Fasher, resulting in more than 6,000 deaths within three days.
Experts appointed by the United Nations have characterized the attack as exhibiting "the signs of genocide."
In one of its final rulings, the Biden government alleged that the group was responsible for genocide and applied penalties against its leaders, such as Dagalo.
At least 59,000 individuals lost their lives during the conflict over a period of three years, as reported by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, a U.S.-affiliated organization monitoring wars, which noted that the actual number is likely higher due to challenges in data collection.
The ongoing dispute has led to the globe's most significant humanitarian emergency, as reported by the United Nations, with approximately 34 million individuals—nearly two-thirds of Sudan's population—requiring support.