Sudan Events – Follow-ups
An African Union official has called for an investigation into all alleged human rights violations and for holding those responsible accountable through fair and transparent processes to end the cycle of violence in Sudan.
The African Union’s Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, affirmed the AU’s strong commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of human rights across Sudan.
In a statement, the African official expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and tragic loss of lives throughout Sudan, particularly the ongoing violence in Al-Jazirah State. He highlighted reports of serious crimes, including mass killings, summary executions, sexual assault, abduction, torture, and looting. The continuous communication blackout complicates efforts to assess the full extent of the violence.
Adama warned about “the intolerable rise of hate speech, racial animosity, and incitement to ethnically motivated violence.”
The Special Envoy voiced particular concern over severe reports of heinous crimes following the defection of Abu Aqla Kekil, a leader in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Al-Jazirah State, to the Sudanese Armed Forces on October 20, 2024.
He continued: “Since then, reports have indicated RSF patrols across numerous villages in Al-Jazirah State.”
He noted that RSF attacks have triggered the latest wave of violence, resulting in mass displacement from Al-Jazirah to neighboring states.
The official stated that many of those fleeing were forced to travel for days without food and had to hide from armed militias, leading to numerous instances of family separations.
He emphasized that the retaliatory nature of these attacks, reportedly targeting members of the community associated with the defector’s ethnic group, along with the incidents of severe violence, represent a serious escalation.
He explained that Sudan is experiencing atrocities on an unimaginable scale, adding that it is the duty of the international community to do everything in its power to stop the fighting.
