The Sudan Shield Forces, allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces, face accusations of war crimes after they attacked a village in al-Jazira state, leading to 26 civilian deaths. Human Rights Watch highlights systematic looting and racial abuse during the militia’s actions against perceived RSF supporters. The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to displace millions and has resulted in severe human rights violations.
A militia allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), known as the Sudan Shield Forces, has been charged with war crimes following a deadly attack on a village in Sudan on January 10, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, including a child. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that the militia intentionally targeted this village and engaged in systematic looting of civilian assets, including food supplies, and burned down homes.
The attacks occurred in al-Jazira state, where the Sudan Shield Forces, formed in 2022 mainly from Arab communities, assaulted civilians they believed supported the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Eyewitnesses recounted incidents of racial abuse from militia members during the attack, alongside significant theft of livestock and property, including 2,000 cattle.
Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, a senior researcher at HRW, condemned the violent acts committed by armed groups aligned with the SAF, urging the Sudanese authorities to investigate these abuses and hold the responsible commanders accountable. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, millions have faced displacement and severe food insecurity, with both sides accused of committing human rights violations.
Currently, the RSF dominates much of Darfur and parts of Khartoum and Kordofan, and has received backing from the UAE. The group recently executed a devastating attack in White Nile state, reportedly killing 433 individuals. Sudan’s foreign ministry has described this incident as a significant atrocity in a series of violent acts against the civilian population.
Lawyers monitoring the conflict, known as Emergency Lawyers, reported that the RSF has targeted unarmed civilians during their operations, with claims of field executions, kidnappings, and property looting. The death toll in the recent clashes is estimated at 200, highlighting a continued pattern of violence against civilians in the ongoing Sudanese conflict.
The Sudan Shield Forces have been accused of war crimes for targeting civilians in al-Jazira state, reflecting a brutal continuation of violence in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The HRW calls for accountability, amid a larger humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The RSF continues to pose a significant threat to civilians, with the international community urging investigations into these abuses.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
