Human Rights Watch accused a militia linked to the Sudanese army of a brutal attack on the village of Tayba, killing at least 26 civilians. Survivors reported widespread atrocities including looting and arson. The HRW’s investigation calls for accountability, while the army denies any involvement, referring to the actions as isolated violations. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a dire humanitarian crisis.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Sudan Shield Forces, a militia allied with the army, of executing a brutal attack on Tayba village in central Sudan, which resulted in at least 26 deaths. This incident occurred on January 10 and reflects increasing violence in the region, marked by clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Survivors reported devastating destruction, including homes being set ablaze and civilians being indiscriminately killed, including children.
The HRW report highlights allegations that the Sudan Shield Forces specifically targeted civilians, with evidence indicating the raid was conducted with intent to harm the Kanabi community, a non-Arab group. Abu Aqla Kaykal, the militia’s leader and a former RSF commander, has a history of attacking civilians, raising concerns about war crimes and potential crimes against humanity. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, Sudan has faced a severe humanitarian crisis with over 12 million people displaced and tens of thousands killed.
HRW used testimonies from survivors and satellite imagery to document the events of the attack. The army, having recently regained control of Wad Madani, denied involvement in the assault, labeling the actions as “individual violations,” and expressed intentions to penalize any guilty parties. In light of the RSF’s notorious ethnic violence, which led to accusations of genocide, there is growing concern over similar atrocities in the territories controlled by the army.
The HRW’s report on the Tayba attack underscores significant human rights violations in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict. The targeting of civilians by the Sudan Shield Forces raises serious allegations of war crimes. Although the army has denied involvement, the situation points to a broader trend of ethnic-based violence and humanitarian crises throughout the region. Calls for accountability remain critical as the situation unfolds.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
