The civilian death toll in Sudan has risen sharply, with at least 275 fatalities recorded between January 31 and February 5 due to escalating violence. Reports highlight a significant increase in deaths compared to the previous week, prompting calls for immediate action to protect civilians and humanitarian workers amid ongoing threats and security risks in the region.
The situation in Sudan has become increasingly dire, as the civilian death toll rises significantly amid escalating hostilities between rival factions. From January 31 to February 5, at least 275 civilian fatalities were reported due to artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks primarily in Khartoum and regions like North Darfur, South Darfur, North Kordofan, and South Kordofan. This figure represents a threefold increase compared to the previous week’s toll of at least 89 civilian deaths.
The sharp rise in wartime casualties highlights the severe risks to civilians amidst an ongoing failure by the conflicting parties to safeguard these non-combatants. Humanitarian volunteers are also under heightened threat, with credible reports indicating that some individuals have been categorized as alleged collaborators of the Rapid Support Forces, leading to at least one documented death threat.
Since the conflict’s outbreak in April 2023, there have been at least 57 fatalities among local humanitarian volunteers. The article calls for an immediate cessation of indiscriminate attacks and directs threats against civilians, urging the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to adhere to international law mandates. These factions must implement effective measures to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
The rising civilian death toll in Sudan, marked by alarming statistics, underscores the urgent need for all parties involved in the conflict to take responsibility for the protection of non-combatants. The international community must advocate for the cessation of hostilities and the protection of humanitarian workers to alleviate the human cost of this conflict.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
