Platforms Rise Against Horrific Violations by “Militia” in Al Jazeera Region

Social media users and activists have condemned Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia for alleged severe human rights violations against residents in several villages in Al Jazeera State, central Sudan. The attacks occurred across northern and eastern areas of the state between October 20 and 25.

According to local media, RSF militia committed various atrocities, including killings, abductions, forced displacement, and humiliation of residents. Reports say these actions were retaliatory measures against the locals after RSF commander Abu Aqila Kikel defected from the RSF in the region and joined the Sudanese army. The Al Jazeera Rights Platform reported that the RSF attack on Sareeha village resulted in 124 deaths, more than 200 injuries, and approximately 150 arrests from the village.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, stated that “RSF fighters in Al Jazeera State indiscriminately opened fire on civilians, committed sexual violence against women and girls, looted markets and homes on a wide scale, and burned farms.” Sudanese platforms and activists circulated footage showing what they claimed were the bodies of victims in attacked villages and videos purportedly documenting RSF forces detaining residents in Sareeha village and mistreating others.

The “Networks” program, in its episode aired on October 28, 2024, highlighted Sudanese activists’ reactions to the incidents in Al Jazeera State, emphasizing the violence, arrests, and casualties.

Activist Rushdi saw these actions as a sign of desperation for the RSF militia, stating, “The actions of the Janjaweed militia over the past days in Al Jazeera State reflect the militia’s collapse and their attempt to intimidate the public from taking up arms, showing their weakened state.” Another account under the name Adyan commented, “Sudan is neglected by the media. Al Jazeera State is being devastated! Entire families, including men, women, and children, are being massacred.” He added that RSF forces were responsible for “horrific massacres and heinous killings, with high rates of rape and suicide.”

Manosur expressed outrage at RSF abuses, questioning, “Why such disgraceful actions against our people in Sudan? Are such acts part of our gentle, kind, and honorable Sudanese nature? I am deeply saddened by what has happened and continues to happen to this noble people.” Another user, Al-Khatib, urged, “The people of Al Jazeera State deserve protection and justice. We all need to raise awareness about what’s happening and call for effective intervention to protect civilians. We urge international human rights organizations to investigate these crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Al Jazeera’s Acting Governor, Al-Taher Ibrahim Al-Khair, declared “a state of general mobilization and alert in the state for anyone capable of bearing arms” to counter what he referred to as “the practices of the terrorist and rebellious militias.”

In response, RSF denied the accusations in a statement, asserting that its leadership “prohibits the mistreatment of women and children, harassment, assault, seizure of property, or torture, and those found guilty of such offenses will be prosecuted.”

The situation in Al Jazeera State has forced thousands of families to flee to various parts within the state, while others have sought refuge in the neighboring states of Gedaref and Kassala, according to UN reports. The Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate’s preparatory committee has called on the United Nations, the Security Council, and the international community to pressure for safe passage to reach Al Jazeera residents, describing the situation as one of “genocide.”