Sudan’s Bloody Conflict: War Crimes and Humanitarian Crisis
War Rages On
The war between Sudan’s army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 2023 has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12 million people, with millions more on the brink of famine.
UN Rights Chief Alarmed
The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, expressed deep alarm over reports of summary executions of civilians in Khartoum North, allegedly committed by Sudanese army fighters and allied militia. "Deliberately taking the life of a civilian or anyone not or no longer directly taking part in hostilities is a war crime," he stated.
Escalating Violence
The war has seen a surge in violence, with both sides engaging in brutal attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The UN rights office has verified the killings of at least 18 people, including one woman, in seven separate incidents attributed to SAF-affiliated fighters and militia.
Further Allegations
The rights office has also highlighted disturbing allegations of violence in Khartoum North, including a video showing men in SAF uniform and members of the Al Baraa Bin Malik Brigade "reading out a long list of names of alleged RSF collaborators, saying ‘Zaili’ – Arabic for ‘killed’ – after each name."
Shocking Threats of Violence
Turk reiterated his call for all parties to the conflict to take urgent action to protect civilians and uphold obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. "Independent investigations must be held into these incidents in line with relevant international standards."
Fear of Further Attacks
The rights office voiced fear of further attacks amid shocking threats of violence against civilians. It reviewed a video showing a member of the Al Baraa Bin Malik Brigade threatening to slaughter the residents of El Hadj Yusif in East Nile, an area of Khartoum North.
UN Security Council Condemns Attacks
On Friday, the UN Security Council strongly condemned the intensifying RSF attacks in El-Fasher and called for an immediate ceasefire between the warring parties.
Conclusion
The war in Sudan has reached a critical point, with reports of war crimes and human rights violations mounting. The international community must act to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian law.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces?
The conflict began in 2023 and has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of over 12 million. - What are the allegations of war crimes and human rights violations?
There have been reports of summary executions, attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the use of drones and other weapons in violation of international humanitarian law. - What is the UN’s response to the conflict?
The UN has condemned the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire between the warring parties. The UN rights chief has also urged all parties to take urgent action to protect civilians and uphold obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.