Over 200 Civilians Massacred in Attacks in Sudan’s White Nile State
Juba, South Sudan – A pro-democracy lawyer group has accused paramilitary forces of killing over 200 civilians in attacks on two villages in Sudan’s White Nile State over the past three days.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) "targeted unarmed civilians in areas with no military presence," engaging in summary executions, abductions, and widespread looting, the lawyer group, which has been documenting human rights violations since the outbreak of fighting between the army and paramilitaries in Sudan, said on Tuesday.
Witnesses reported that residents were shot at as they tried to flee by crossing the Nile River, and some drowned, the group said, calling the attacks "acts of genocide."
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a conflict pitting army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who heads the RSF.
Both sides have been accused of atrocities and war crimes in the conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced over 12 million, and created what the International Rescue Committee calls "the worst humanitarian crisis ever recorded."
Human Rights Abuses Escalate in Sudan
The latest violence highlights the escalating human rights crisis in Sudan, where the conflict has fueled a surge in atrocities and violations.
- Summary executions: Paramilitaries have been accused of summarily executing civilians suspected of supporting opposing forces, or simply based on their ethnicity or tribal affiliation.
- Arbitrary detentions: The RSF and other security forces have arbitrarily detained and tortured individuals, often without charge or access to legal assistance.
- Sexual violence: Women and girls have been subjected to rape, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual violence by members of armed groups.
- Ethnic cleansing: The conflict has taken on an ethnic dimension, with reports of paramilitaries targeting specific ethnic groups.
International Condemnation
The violence in White Nile State has drawn international condemnation, with the United States, United Kingdom, and United Nations strongly denouncing the attacks.
- U.S. State Department: "We condemn the horrific violence against civilians in Sudan. The perpetrators of these atrocities must be held accountable."
- UK Foreign Secretary: "Deeply concerned by reports of human rights abuses in White Nile State. It is essential that those responsible are brought to justice."
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: "The attacks in White Nile State are a grave violation of international law. The perpetrators must be held accountable."
Calls for Ceasefire and Accountability
Human rights groups and international organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of an independent mechanism to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the atrocities.
- Amnesty International: "It is imperative that the UN Security Council establish an independent investigation into the atrocities in White Nile State."
- Human Rights Watch: "The international community must take urgent action to stop these horrific attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable."
- Sudan Doctors Syndicate: "We demand an end to the bloodshed and the prosecution of those who have committed these heinous crimes."
The Sudanese people continue to suffer the devastating consequences of the conflict, with basic human rights and dignity being violated on a massive scale. The international community has a moral and humanitarian obligation to act to end the violence and ensure accountability for the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.
