A coalition of 21 international civil society organizations is demanding the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied militias end ethnic targeting and violence against agricultural workers in El Gezira. The appeal highlights severe human rights violations, ethnic cleansing risks, and calls for accountability from Sudanese authorities and international bodies.
A coalition of 21 accredited international civil society organizations is urging the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias to cease ethnically motivated violence in Sudan’s El Gezira state. This appeal highlights ongoing human rights violations, including killings and enforced disappearances affecting agricultural workers predominantly from non-Arab groups who have historically farmed in the region since the 1920s.
In their statement, the organizations emphasize the urgent plight of residents in the agricultural camps known as Kanabi, which have recently experienced significant violence. The organizations are advocating to draw international attention to these issues, referencing a prior NGO statement about extrajudicial executions in Sudan, which further illustrates the gravity of the situation.
Reportedly, the SAF-aligned Sudan Shield Forces have denied allegations of abuse against the Kanabi communities while promising investigations by the SAF. The joint statement expresses concern over the systematic engagement in ethnic cleansing, targeting civilians from numerous ethnic backgrounds primarily associated with agricultural work in the region.
The organizations warn that millions could be at risk due to a deliberate campaign aimed at displacing these populations based on ethnic origins. Since January 2025, extensive destruction of at least 160 agricultural camps has occurred, resulting in theft and violence against their inhabitants.
Additionally, the civil society group urges accountability for those responsible and calls on the African Union and the UN to intervene following these violations. The statement further demands the disbanding of tribal militias, the cessation of arms distribution to civilians, and action against those perpetuating hate speech that incites violence against these communities.
They also insist that the Sudanese army acknowledges its duty to protect all citizens equitably and that comprehensive repercussions are applied against perpetrators of ethnic violence. Inquiries into the enduring ethnic tensions and potential genocide are deemed critical by the group, amid continued past reluctance from involved parties to respond to inquiries regarding military actions.
The call to action from international civil society organizations highlights the urgent need to address ethnic violence in Sudan’s El Gezira state. The statement underscores the systematic nature of these human rights abuses and urges significant accountability measures, emphasizing the threat of genocide if preventative actions are not taken. Addressing these injustices is crucial not only for the victims but also for the stability and security of the region as a whole.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
