Africa

Sudan: the situation is now taking an even more dangerous turn

Sudan: the situation is now taking an even more dangerous turn

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today warned of the escalation of violence in Sudan, after dozens of people were brutally murdered in various attacks in the state of Al Jazirah, in the southeast of the country.

Türk described this fight, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as a “senseless war” in which “direct and ethnically motivated attacks against civilians are increasingly common.” frequent.”

Call to stop the violence

Both parties “must take immediate measures to ensure the protection of all civilians, including the adoption of all possible measures to avoid or, at a minimum, minimize harm to civilians in the course of hostilities,” Türk stated.

In addition, he made a new call to the president of the Sovereign Transitional Council and the commander of the RSF to end the fighting. Thus requesting both parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The proliferation of militia recruitment and mobilizations of combatants could trigger a larger-scale civil war and an increase in violence, the High Commissioner warned.

Ethnic attacks, hate speech and violence

In the last week, 21 deaths were registered with the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), after two attacks in Al Jazirah state. Although, according to the organization, it is very likely that the number of deaths is even higher.

Several other attacks have been documented within the state, in which civilians were killed and kidnapped; livestock, crops and other goods were looted; and dozens of families were displaced. It is indicated that these targeted the cannabis, a historically marginalized ethnic group.

Furthermore, according to the organization’s reports, the attacks were carried out by the Sudan Shield Forces, led by Abu Aqla Keikal, a former RSF commander, who defected in October last year to join the Shield Forces. from Sudan.

Türk stated that “retaliatory attacks of outrageous brutality against entire communities based on real or perceived ethnic identity are on the rise, as is incitement to hatred and violence.”

The situation is urgent

In North Darfur ethnically motivated attacks and violence by the RSF and its allied Arab militias remain a cause for concern.

The city of Omdurman is also besieged by violence. As happened on January 13, when approximately 120 civilians were killed and more than 150 injured in drone attacks, which were allegedly launched by the RSF in a market located in an area controlled by them.

UN Human Rights received three videos, which documented scenes of violence, including unlawful killings. In these, the victims are dehumanized, denigrated with nicknames such as “Wassekh” (filth) and “Abnaa E-dheif” (bastards). Furthermore, the perpetrators of the summary executions hail them as “Nadhafa” (cleansing operation). The videos were apparently recorded in the Sudanese city of Wad Madani, with the visible presence of men dressed in Sudanese Armed Forces uniforms.

Creation of an investigation committee

Because “it is urgent to put an end to this situation,” as the High Commissioner stated, the Sudanese authorities assured Türk that what happened would be fully investigated and those responsible would be brought to justice; with which an investigation committee has already been created.

The High Commissioner explained that it is crucial that “prompt, independent, impartial and transparent” investigations are carried out into all allegations of violations and abuses.

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