Sudan crisis: UN condemns RSF attacks on civilians amid worsening humanitarian situation

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the recent attacks on civilians by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have resulted in devastating consequences for the people of Sudan.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has its roots in a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. The war has led to the world’s largest displacement crisis, with nearly eight million people forced to flee their homes.

Rival RSF has been accused of committing atrocities, including the killing of at least 124 people in a village in El Gezira State last month, one of the deadliest incidents in the conflict. The group has also been blamed for ethnically driven violence, which has sparked widespread concern. In response, the RSF has denied harming civilians and instead accused the army of arming civilians in Gezira.

Guterres was appalled by “reports of large numbers of civilians being killed, detained and displaced, acts of sexual violence against women and girls, the looting of homes and markets and the burning of farms,” said  UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

“Such acts may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Perpetrators of such serious violations must be held accountable,” he stressed.

The conflict has had a catastrophic impact on Sudan, resulting in the deaths of up to 150,000 people and displacing nearly eight million. More than half of the population faces acute hunger, making it the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

The international community is calling for urgent action to address the crisis, with Britain pushing for a UN Security Council resolution.

Amnesty International has also documented widespread human rights abuses committed by the warring parties, including unlawful attacks on civilians and infrastructure. The organization has called for an independent investigative and accountability mechanism to monitor and collect evidence of human rights violations in Sudan.

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, it is essential that the international community takes immediate action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The people of Sudan deserve justice, safety, and humanitarian support to alleviate their suffering.