Human Rights Watch revealed that armed groups linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces are intentionally attacking civilians, potentially constituting war crimes. A specific incident in Tayba resulted in 26 deaths, prompting calls for investigations into the actions of SAF-aligned factions. The report emphasizes the need for accountability of military leaders involved in these atrocities amid ongoing civil conflict.
A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlights that armed groups allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have deliberately targeted civilians in central Sudan, committing actions potentially qualifying as war crimes. This finding comes amid an ongoing civil conflict in the region, which has drawn widespread international concern regarding human rights violations.
According to HRW, the Sudan Shield Forces, alongside other SAF-linked factions, have perpetrated violent attacks on civilian populations. These attacks have raised alarms about the escalating brutality against individuals perceived as supporters of the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
HRW documented a specific incident from January 10, where the Sudan Shield Forces invaded Tayba village in Gezira state, resulting in 26 fatalities, including a child. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate shooting, execution of men and boys, and widespread looting, with the attackers setting structures ablaze in the process.
The investigation into these events relied on survivor testimonies, satellite images, and verified video evidence, all indicating a pattern of targeted assaults against communities deemed to favor the RSF. HRW emphasizes the necessity for a thorough investigation of these reports, including the accountability of SAF leaders closely associated with the offending groups.
Despite the implications of these abuses, the SAF characterized the incidents as “individual transgressions” and has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the violence. However, the visibility of SAF commanders alongside the militia leaders raises questions about the level of accountability.
Human Rights Watch’s report underlines serious allegations of war crimes associated with groups allied to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The documented attacks on civilians reflect a troubling escalation in the conflict, necessitating urgent investigations and accountability measures against those perpetrating such violence. The involvement of prominent military figures in sanctioning these groups further complicates the calls for justice and accountability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
