Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) executed a violent assault in White Nile state, reportedly killing over 200 people, including children. Human rights groups characterized the attacks as a massacre involving field executions and shootings of fleeing civilians. The Sudanese army claims increased control over the capital, while RSF factions are aiming to declare a parallel government. The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and massive displacement, creating a humanitarian crisis.
In a devastating three-day assault in Sudan’s White Nile state, paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly killed over 200 individuals in and around al-Gitaina. Emergency Lawyers, a human rights group monitoring abuses during the ongoing civil war, described the incident as a tragedy involving field executions, abduction, and forced disappearances. Victims allegedly included people shot while trying to escape across the Nile, underscoring the scale of violence as a massacre occurred.
Reports state that Sudan’s army-aligned Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that fatalities could reach as high as 433, including young children. Violence erupted on a single Monday, resulting in dozens killed or injured as RSF fighters indiscriminately opened fire on civilians on foot and inside their homes. These attacks coincide with the Sudanese army gaining control in some regions around Khartoum, suggesting shifting military dynamics.
The RSF and other factions are preparing to establish a parallel government in regions they control, with plans to sign a charter in Nairobi. However, the ceremony has been postponed to allow broader representation from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a faction active in southern regions affected by famine. Control varies, with the RSF maintaining significant areas in Darfur and parts of the capital.
Since April 2023, Sudan has witnessed ongoing civil strife, involving army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both sides face accusations of grave human rights violations during the conflict, which has resulted in devastating casualties, displacing more than 12 million people, and creating a severe humanitarian crisis, described by the International Rescue Committee as unprecedented.
Recently, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced intentions to form a transitional government aimed at electoral reforms and ceasing hostilities while advancing against RSF forces in various regions. The UN Human Rights Office has expressed deep concerns regarding the increasing civilian casualties and violations of human rights law, urging accountability and a cessation of arms flows. “Deliberate attacks on civilians and summary executions highlight the failure to uphold international humanitarian standards,” stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.
The recent escalation of violence involving the RSF in Sudan has led to significant civilian casualties and raises alarms about humanitarian violations. With shifting control of territories and planned declarations of rival governments, the conflict remains precarious. The international community is urged to take action to prevent continued atrocities and to hold violators accountable for their actions during the ongoing civil war.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
