RSF Says Commander “Issa Abu Lulu” Arrested Over El-Fasher Killings; Independent Verification Still Lacking

The RSF says it has detained commander Issa “Abu Lulu” over alleged mass killings in El-Fasher, but independent verification remains unavailable as rights groups call for transparent, impartial investigations into possible war crimes (image source)

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced the arrest of a field commander identified as Issa (Abu) Lulu following the circulation of graphic videos purportedly showing mass executions in and around El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. In a statement issued Monday, the RSF said the commander had been referred to internal legal committees for investigation but gave no details on where he is being held or whether formal charges have been filed.

Independent verification of the arrest remains unavailable. Journalists and human-rights monitors have so far been unable to confirm Abu Lulu’s custody, review charge documents, or determine whether suspects have been handed to national or international judicial authorities.

The RSF described the detention as a disciplinary measure following public outrage over footage that appears to show summary executions of civilians and captured combatants. However, the announcement has sparked skepticism over whether the move represents genuine accountability or an attempt at damage control amid international scrutiny.

Open-source investigators and rights organisations have linked RSF fighters to widespread killings and abuses during their advance through El-Fasher. The footage has intensified global calls for transparent, independent investigations into alleged war crimes. Analysts note two competing interpretations of the RSF’s statement. One perspective sees the arrest as an initial step toward internal accountability, possibly leading to formal prosecutions under domestic or international law if transparency follows. The opposing view considers the move a public-relations strategy, designed to deflect pressure while keeping control within RSF structures—potentially undermining impartial justice.

Observers say the key indicators to watch include independent confirmation of detention, access for neutral investigators, the publication of formal charges, and possible transfer of suspects to recognised courts. Any movement in those areas would signal progress toward credible accountability.

For now, the RSF’s announcement is symbolically important but substantively incomplete. Given the severity of the allegations and the force’s opaque internal mechanisms, human-rights groups and diplomatic observers continue to call for transparent, internationally supervised investigations to establish responsibility and prevent future atrocities.