Sudan Events – Agencies
Sudanese militia forces have been accused of committing killings, sexual violence, looting, and arson during eight days of attacks on villages south of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.
The United Nations reported “serious human rights violations” allegedly connected to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which intensified its attacks on civilians in Al-Jazirah State after a major local commander reportedly defected to the Sudanese Armed Forces on October 20.
On Saturday, the Sudanese Doctors’ Network reported that 124 people were killed and dozens injured in an attack on the village of Al-Suhra.
The United Nations also indicated that approximately 47,000 people were displaced over the past week, with most seeking refuge in neighboring states, and at least 30 villages were attacked.
The RSF has suffered significant losses in the battles around Khartoum against the Sudanese army. Since April 2023, the two sides have been engaged in a power struggle to control Sudan, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
In August, famine was declared in Zamzam camp for displaced persons in Darfur, with warnings that severe hunger would spread if both warring parties did not allow aid access.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, said the violence recalls RSF actions in the western Darfur region, where ethnic groups are targeted and attacked.
“I am deeply shocked and appalled by the recurrence of human rights abuses similar to those we witnessed in Darfur last year – including rape, targeted attacks, sexual violence, and mass killings – now in Al-Jazirah State. These are heinous crimes,” said Nkweta-Salami.
The defection of RSF commander Abu Aqila Kikel, reportedly following a deal with the Sudanese army, marked the first major defection since the 18-month-long conflict began.
The Sudanese army has been trying to “strangle” RSF forces in cities surrounding Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, according to political analyst Kholoud Khair.
Khair added: “But RSF attacks mostly focus on civilians, especially [the Kikel tribal group] the Shukria. These are not counterattacks on the Sudanese Armed Forces but instead horrific acts of violence targeting civilians.”
She continued, “I believe the nature of this violence, the RSF’s level of impunity, and the near-complete global silence on this issue suggest that the actual death toll may be significantly higher than reported.”
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, as civilians in conflict-affected areas face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Escalating violence and mass displacement have worsened harsh living conditions, leaving thousands of families dependent on humanitarian aid, which is increasingly hindered by restrictions imposed due to the conflict.
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations are appealing to the warring parties in Sudan to allow aid access to those in need and to cease attacks on civilians. However, the international response remains limited as attention is focused on other global crises.
Observers urge the international community to take a firmer stance, pressuring the warring parties to respect civilian rights and to work toward a comprehensive political solution that ensures the safety of the population and stability in Sudan.
