The Sudan Shield Forces launched an attack on Tayba, Sudan, resulting in over 26 civilian deaths. Human Rights Watch classified the actions, including looting and killings, as war crimes. The incident reflects ongoing violence against communities perceived as RSF supporters amid a protracted conflict. HRW calls for accountability and international intervention to protect civilians, noting the need for thorough investigations into these abuses.
On January 10, 2025, the Sudan Shield Forces, an armed faction allied with Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF), attacked the village of Tayba in El Gezira state, leading to the deaths of over 26 civilians, including a child, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW). This assault included the systematic looting of properties and the destruction of homes, acts classified as war crimes and potentially as crimes against humanity by HRW.
HRW’s Jean-Baptiste Gallopin emphasized the urgent need for accountability from Sudanese authorities regarding these abuses. The attack in Tayba is part of a broader escalation of violence by SAF-aligned groups against communities they suspect of supporting the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following the SAF’s retaking of areas from the RSF in January 2025, civilian populations find themselves increasingly vulnerable to retaliatory violence.
Witnesses described the assailants, who arrived in armed vehicles, engaging in indiscriminate shooting and further attacks during funerals of the victims. Eyewitness accounts detail threats made to civilians, highlighting the racial undertones of the violence. The situation escalated due to the protracted conflict between SAF and RSF, with civilians caught in the crossfire of these armed confrontations.
The Sudan Shield Forces’ involvement began in 2022, and following shifts in allegiance, their renewed support for SAF has exacerbated tensions leading to widespread violence in the region. Eyewitnesses reported clear deficiencies in local defenses, as villagers were unarmed and unable to resist the attack on Tayba. Moreover, HRW documented extensive looting, including significant livestock thefts.
Substantiating these claims, HRW verified footage showing the aftermath of similar abuses nearby, including torture and extra-judicial killings by SAF-aligned groups. The SAF is under scrutiny for its failure to effectively address the perpetrators of these crimes while maintaining public appearances with their commanders, including Keikel, whose forces are at the center of these allegations.
HRW calls for a comprehensive investigation into the Tayba incident and related violence, demanding that the SAF hold accountable all involved, including high-ranking officials. They urge international stakeholders, such as the US and EU, to take action against those responsible for the violence. Meanwhile, the Sudan Shield Forces have denied involvement in the abuses and are calling for investigations into the allegations against them.
The attack on Tayba by the Sudan Shield Forces represents a serious violation of human rights, calling for urgent investigations and accountability from the SAF. The escalation of violence against civilians highlights the urgent need for international intervention and robust protective measures in Sudan. HRW’s findings stress that systemic abuses must be addressed to curtail further humanitarian crises as conflict persists.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
