The UN has raised alarm over increasing civilian casualties in Sudan’s conflict, as SAF and RSF engage in ethnically motivated attacks. Recent violence in Al Gezira has resulted in numerous deaths. The conflict has also spilled into South Sudan, prompting retaliatory violence against Sudanese refugees. The humanitarian crisis deepens as sanctions are imposed on SAF leadership amid growing international concerns.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated, with increasing civilian casualties reported amid the struggle for dominance between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has expressed grave concerns regarding the rise in direct, ethnically motivated assaults on civilians amidst the war. Recently, the situation worsened, particularly in the Al Gezira state where multiple attacks claimed numerous lives.
The conflict, which commenced in April 2023, has seen the SAF regain control of Al Gezira’s capital, Wad Medani, while the RSF continues to retain influence in other strategic regions. Disturbingly, reports revealed that 15 individuals were killed and over 20 injured during an RSF attack on Al Khizan village. Video evidence circulating on social media depicted the SAF engaging in brutal acts against Darfur natives, further escalating the violence.
As violence spills over into South Sudan, videos showing alleged SAF atrocities against South Sudanese citizens have incited retaliatory violence against Sudanese refugees. In Juba, mobs attacked Sudanese properties, leading to fatalities and injuries. The influx of Sudanese fleeing the conflict exacerbates tensions between the ethnic groups, raising alarms regarding refugee safety and local stability.
In response to these events, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir called for restraint and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Juba to protect citizens and their property. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for South Sudan’s cooperation and advised its citizens to practice caution amidst the unrest.
The United States has sanctioned Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, the SAF leader, citing his involvement in the civil war and allegations of war crimes. The Sudanese government condemned the sanctions as unjust and detrimental to the Sudanese people, claiming it overlooks the true nature of the conflict and indirectly supports genocidal actions attributed to the RSF.
This protracted conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with nearly half of the nation’s population requiring assistance, tens of thousands killed, and over 11.5 million displaced since the war’s onset. The situation calls for urgent international attention to address the escalating human rights violations and humanitarian disaster.
The conflict in Sudan has witnessed significant human rights violations, particularly against civilians, as factions vie for power. The struggling landscape comprises two main forces: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both of which have been implicated in a range of atrocities affecting predominantly civilian populations. The situation has deteriorated since April 2023, leading to an upsurge in violence and humanitarian crises.
In summary, the conflict in Sudan is marked by a troubling increase in direct assaults on civilians, revealing a disturbing trend of ethnically motivated violence. As the SAF and RSF continue their struggle for control, the humanitarian situation worsens, prompting urgent calls for intervention. The international community must prioritize addressing the humanitarian disaster and holding accountable those responsible for the rampant violations of human rights.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
