A coalition of 21 international civil organizations has called upon the Sudanese Armed Forces and aligned militias to cease ethnic violence in El Gezira, Sudan. They assert that serious human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and destruction of agricultural camps, are occurring within Kanabi communities. The group warns of the potential for genocide if the situation is not addressed, seeking urgent international intervention and accountability for perpetrators.
A coalition of 21 international civil society organizations has issued a compelling appeal to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and associated militias, calling for an immediate cessation of ethnic targeting in El Gezira, Sudan. This coalition has raised serious concerns over incidents of ethnic violence, enforced disappearances, and the destruction of agricultural camps, particularly impacting individuals from ethnic communities historically engaged in farming since the 1920s.
The joint statement emphasizes the dire situation faced by inhabitants of the Kanabi agricultural camps in El Gezira, where rampant violence and significant human rights violations have been reported. The organization referred to a previous statement issued on January 15, 2025, focusing on extrajudicial killings, indicating an ongoing crisis that requires immediate international attention.
The Kanabi communities, predominantly from non-Arab ethnic groups in western and southern Sudan, have faced increasing violence from SAF-aligned militia forces. Recent attacks have raised alarms, with an assertion that such acts mirror an ethnic cleansing campaign, targeting civilians primarily within the agricultural labor force.
The coalition highlights the alarming potential scale of this violence, suggesting that millions could fall victim to systematic terror aimed at uprooting them due to their ethnic and regional identities. This assertion follows reports of significant destruction, including the razing of at least 160 camps and the theft of livestock, food, and financial resources, effectively rendering thousands of individuals destitute.
Responsibility for these crimes is attributed collectively to the Sudanese army, security forces, and allied militia groups. The coalition has appealed to high-level representatives, including the African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General, urging them to investigate these severe human rights abuses and assess the potential for genocide if such violence is not addressed.
In their statement, the organizations have called for the immediate end to ethnic-targeted actions, accountability for perpetrators, and protection for all individuals in Sudan without discrimination. Additionally, they demand a disbandment of all tribal militias and an end to the proliferation of firearms among civilians. The coalition insists on holding accountable those perpetuating ethnic hatred and calling for justice for the victims and their families.
The Sudan Shield Forces and SAF have been requested for comment; however, previous interactions have shown a general reluctance to engage publicly on such pressing issues.
In summary, the joint appeal by international civil society organizations underscores the urgent need to address the ethnic violence occurring in El Gezira, Sudan. These organizations have documented extensive human rights violations, calling upon international bodies to intervene and prevent further escalation of violence, which risks leading to genocide. A demand for accountability for perpetrating individuals and safeguarding all communities reflects the pressing need for humanitarian intervention and legal redress in the face of systemic ethnic targeting.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
