The escalating conflict in Sudan continues to claim lives, with recent reports highlighting ethnically targeted attacks in Al Jazirah state and fears of an imminent battle for Khartoum, the nation’s capital. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, which he described as a “senseless war” between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ongoing since April 2023.
Violence Intensifies Amid Desperation
Mr. Türk warned that as the warring factions fight for control “at all costs,” civilians are increasingly being subjected to direct and ethnically motivated attacks. He emphasized that Sudan’s civilians are already in a desperate situation, with mounting evidence of war crimes and other atrocities. “I fear the situation is now taking a further, even more dangerous turn,” he stated.
Deadly Attacks on Civilian Camps
In just the past week, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) documented at least 21 deaths from attacks on civilian camps in Al Jazirah, about 40 kilometers from the state capital, Wad Madani. The true number of incidents and fatalities is suspected to be even higher.
On January 10, eight civilians were killed during an attack on Taiba Camp, while 13 women and one man were abducted. Property was looted, homes were burned, and families were displaced. The following day, another attack on Khamsa Camp left 13 dead, including two boys.
Ethnically Motivated Violence
The attacks occurred as the SAF regained control of Wad Madani, reportedly carried out by the Sudan Shield Forces led by Abu Aqla Keikal, a former RSF commander who switched allegiance last October. These assaults targeted the Kanabi, a historically marginalized group composed mainly of Nuba and other African tribes.
Mr. Türk acknowledged the Sudanese authorities’ promise to launch a full investigation and hold perpetrators accountable. However, he cautioned against the rising tide of retaliatory attacks, marked by shocking brutality, hate speech, and incitement to violence. “This must, urgently, be brought to an end,” he stated.
Evidence of Atrocity Captured on Video
The OHCHR has received three videos documenting violence, including unlawful killings, allegedly filmed in Wad Madani. Men in SAF uniforms appear in the footage, with victims dehumanized through slurs such as “dirt,” “mould,” and “animal.” The perpetrators referred to the killings as “a cleaning operation,” further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Ongoing Violence in North Darfur
Similar atrocities are being reported in North Darfur, where RSF fighters and allied Arab militias continue ethnically motivated attacks against African communities, particularly the Zaghawa and the Fur tribes. In a separate incident on January 13, drone strikes—allegedly conducted by SAF—hit a market in the RSF-controlled area of Omdurman, killing 120 civilians and injuring over 150.
Urgent Calls for an End to Fighting
Mr. Türk reiterated his urgent appeal for an end to hostilities, urging the SAF and RSF to comply with international humanitarian and human rights laws. He warned that the widespread recruitment of militias, often along ethnic lines, risks sparking a broader civil war and more intercommunal violence.
Accountability and Civilians' Protection
“The SAF and the RSF are responsible for the actions of groups and individuals fighting on their behalf,” Mr. Türk emphasized. He called on both sides to take immediate steps to protect civilians and to minimize harm in their military operations. He also called for prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into all reported violations and abuses to ensure accountability.
As Sudan’s conflict deepens, the international community’s attention remains focused on preventing further atrocities and supporting efforts to bring peace to the war-torn nation.
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