Sudan: Civilians Targeted Amid Intensifying Hostilities in Khartoum

The conflict in Sudan has intensified, leading to numerous civilian casualties from artillery and aerial attacks in Khartoum. The UN Human Rights Office reported severe human rights abuses, including summary executions and looting by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The humanitarian situation worsens with critical needs unmet, particularly in Zamzam camp, amid calls from the UN for the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported the killing of numerous civilians, including humanitarian volunteers, due to artillery shelling and airstrikes in eastern Khartoum, Sudan. The surge in violence is attributed to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has severely affected innocent civilians. Reports indicate that RSF fighters have executed summary killings, arbitrary detentions, and looted essential supplies from community resources.

Alarming accounts of sexual violence have also been reported in the Al Giraif Gharb neighborhood, as detailed by spokesperson Seif Magango. Concurrently, SAF-affiliated fighters have been implicated in similar criminal acts in Khartoum North and East Nile, where arbitrary arrests have become widespread. The humanitarian climate continues to deteriorate, particularly impacting residential areas.

Recent drone attacks in Imtedaad Nasir claimed the lives of five women, with many others injured, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Additionally, artillery strikes in Karari, north of Omdurman, resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, predominantly affecting children. OCHA has urged all factions to cease targeting civilians and their infrastructure.

In North Darfur, armed confrontations near El Fasher have led thousands to seek refuge in Zamzam camp, which is now besieged. Reports indicate severe shortages of resources, and checkpoints impede civilian movement, preventing access to critical aid. Water trucking has been halted due to escalating security threats, threatening to instigate waterborne diseases within the camp.

In light of the emerging crises, the UN and humanitarian organizations implore all parties to prioritize civilian protection and facilitate safe humanitarian access. OHCHR has reiterated calls for both factions and influential nations to take concrete actions to safeguard civilians and combat the ongoing anarchy and impunity in Sudan.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The UN has called for urgent action to protect civilians and provide unhindered access to humanitarian aid. As violence escalates, it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the safety and well-being of innocent individuals and facilitate support for those in desperate need.

Original Source: news.un.org

About Maya Chowdhury

Maya Chowdhury is an established journalist and author renowned for her feature stories that highlight human interest topics. A graduate of New York University, she has worked with numerous publications, from lifestyle magazines to serious news organizations. Maya's empathetic approach to journalism has allowed her to connect deeply with her subjects, portraying their experiences with authenticity and depth, which resonates with a wide audience.

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