Civilians in Sudan are increasingly targeted in the ongoing war between the SAF and RSF. Recent attacks have resulted in numerous deaths and mass displacements. The violence not only affects Sudan but also creates instability in South Sudan as refugees face backlash. The US has imposed sanctions against SAF leadership amid accusations of war crimes, leading to further tensions. The humanitarian situation remains dire, necessitating urgent assistance.
Civilians in Sudan are increasingly under threat amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as highlighted by Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In his latest statement, Mr. Turk noted that the situation has deteriorated over the nearly two-year war, with direct and ethnically based assaults on civilians becoming more frequent.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, the violence has escalated, particularly in the southeastern region of Al Gezira, where recent reports indicate numerous fatalities due to targeted attacks. In just the past week, the UN Human Rights Office recorded at least 21 civilian deaths stemming from two separate assaults.
The recent recapture of Wad Medani by SAF has not quelled tensions, as the RSF maintains control over several strategic areas. According to the Emergency Lawyers’ group, a pro-democracy organization, an RSF incursion into Al Khizan village resulted in the deaths of 15 people and left over 20 others injured, forcing families to flee.
In a troubling development, SAF forces have targeted individuals from Sudan’s Darfur region in Al Gezira, where video evidence shows acts of violence and humiliation against locals wrongly presumed to support RSF activities. This has triggered widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and prompted the Sudanese military to announce an investigation into these acts.
The violence has repercussions beyond Sudan, spilling into South Sudan as videos surfaced showing SAF fighters attacking South Sudanese citizens, inciting retaliatory violence against Sudanese refugees in Juba. Mobs targeted Sudanese-owned properties, leading to three fatalities and additional injuries. The UN has reported that over half a million refugees from Sudan now reside in South Sudan.
In response to the rising tensions, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has called for calm. The South Sudanese government has implemented a curfew and deployed security forces to safeguard Sudanese communities. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for South Sudan’s support while advising its citizens to remain cautious.
Amid the chaos, the United States imposed sanctions against General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, the SAF leader, citing his role in the civil war and allegations of war crimes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the SAF’s actions, particularly in light of recent lethal incidents.
The Sudanese government has criticized the sanctions as unjust and counterproductive, asserting that they undermine the welfare of the Sudanese people and effectively endorse genocide accusations against the RSF. This sentiment was echoed by the SAF-affiliated Sudanese General Intelligence Service, which denounced foreign interference during this critical juncture.
The ongoing conflict has led to one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with approximately half of Sudan’s population requiring urgent assistance. The violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has displaced over 11.5 million people since combat began.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated significantly since April 2023, primarily driven by a power struggle between two military factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This has led to widespread violence against civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and displacements. The UN has raised alarms over the targeting of specific ethnic groups, further complicating the humanitarian situation and creating ripple effects in neighboring countries like South Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan continues to pose a dire threat to civilian safety, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. Recent ethnic-targeted violence underscores the urgent need for international intervention and support to protect vulnerable populations. As the conflict unfolds, monitoring and addressing the human rights violations become increasingly paramount to prevent further escalation and suffering.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
