The Massacre of Al-Kanabi in Gezira State: Between the Absence of Justice and the Risk of Chaos
By Mohamed Torshin
The details surrounding the Al-Kanabi massacre in Gezira State remain unclear, amid escalating reports of severe violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and random assaults. Such crimes pose a serious threat to the social fabric and stability of the country, calling for firm action from all stakeholders to address them within the framework of justice and the rule of law.
The Need to Uphold the Rule of Law
It is entirely unacceptable to deal with individuals accused of treason or collaboration with any party to the conflict outside the framework of the law. If there are accusations of espionage or collaboration with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the accused must be referred to the judiciary after interrogation by the competent authorities, such as military intelligence, police, and prosecutors. This process must adhere to legal procedures that guarantee the rights of the accused, avoiding any attempts at settling scores that could plunge the country into a cycle of revenge and chaos.
The RSF’s Exploitation of Tribal Affiliations
Reports indicate that the RSF has exploited tribal affiliations and successfully recruited a significant number of young people from tribes in western Sudan. This has exacerbated tribal conflicts, making the struggle at times appear tribal in nature. This intertwining of tribal and political affiliations is a dangerous development, requiring tribal and political leaders to intervene to defuse tensions and prevent the generalization of accusations against entire groups, such as the simple residents of Al-Kanabi, who have no connection to the RSF.
The Political Manipulation of the Issue
Regrettably, some political forces, such as “Taqaddum,” have exploited this incident, as usual, to achieve political gains. Exploiting the blood of innocent civilians and the violations they suffer is entirely unacceptable and further complicates the political and social landscape in Sudan.
Towards a Sudan of Justice and Equality
The Sudan we aspire to build is a homeland for all, where there is no room for discrimination based on race, religion, or political affiliation. The state must be founded on the principles of equal citizenship, transitional justice, and equality among all Sudanese people. Extrajudicial killings and the targeting of innocent civilians undermine the concept of a state governed by law and perpetuate the chaos everyone seeks to avoid.
Acceptance of Others as a Foundation for Progress
A free and democratic Sudan cannot be built without fostering a culture of acceptance of others. At the same time, official and community entities must work to address the roots of conflicts and prevent descent into random acts of revenge that threaten the country’s social fabric.
In conclusion, the residents of Al-Kanabi, like other citizens in Gezira State and Sudan as a whole, have inherent civil and political rights that must be protected and respected. They deserve to live with dignity and security, and to have access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They also have the right to political representation and participation in decision-making at both the state and national levels.
Sudanese researcher and writer specializing in local and African affairs.
