Sudan: Ethnic-based attacks may constitute war crimes

Fighting between the Sudanese army (SAF) and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in mid-April, has left thousands dead or injured, and displaced more than a million.

Communities also continue to face severe food shortages, access to medical supplies and restricted access to conflict zones, while allegations of sexual violence against women and girls have emerged.

‘Very worried’

The UN Special Envoy for Sudan, Volker Perthes, said that the security, human rights and humanitarian situation continues to quickly damaged throughout the country, especially in greater Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan regions.

Mr. Perthes, who also heads the UN Integrated Transition Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), said that the situation in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, has taken on ethnic proportions.

“While the United Nations continues to gather additional information about these reports, it remains emerging pattern of large-scale targeting remains against civilians based on their ethnic identities, allegedly carried out by Arab soldiers and some armed forces in the uniform of the Rapid Support Force (RSF). These reports are deeply disturbing and, if verified, can be crimes against humanity,” he said.

Two years ago, thousands were killed across Darfur, and millions displaced, in fighting between Sudanese government forces backed by allied forces known as the Janjaweed on one side, and rebel groups on the other.

Document all violations

Mr Perthes added UN”guilty of the strongest laws all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, whatever the form and whoever the perpetrators are. ”

He stressed that security forces and non-State armed actors must uphold their responsibility to respect the right to life and refrain from attacks on civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“While I was advised that in some areas, local communities and state authorities have taken active measures to help de-escalate and intervene, it is important to ensure that all violations are documented and protected for accounting purposes,” he said.

UNITAMS will continue efforts to monitor the situation and to partner with all parties to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, in coordination with regional and international partners.

Genocide expert’s condemnation

Meanwhile, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nederitu, has condemned the ongoing conflict and the groups'”disregard for the ceasefires“, his office said in a statement.

Mrs. Nderitu is also deeply concerned about the renewed fighting in the capital, Khartoum, especially the attack of artillery on two districts on Sunday, which killed 18 people and injured many others.

“In addition to the human rights violations and abuses committed in Khartoum, the Special Adviser is disturbed by reports that there has been a security vacuum and security gap in many states. exploited by armed groupsincluding Janjaweed and other rebel armed groups,” the statement said.

“These groups have been accused of retaliating against tribal areas on the basis of their ties to the main parties to the conflict, the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF. These attacks, if confirmed, could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. ”

There is no justification for revenge

The Special Advisor also warned of the the power of war crimes in Darfurwhere hundreds were killed and injured in reported clashes between members of different groups.

They have looted houses and set them on fire, and they also attacked the hospital in El Geneina. Like Civilians fled the conflict, the houses abandoned by the Masalit communities were taken over by the Arab communitiesaccording to news.

Although tensions between tribal communities are not new in Darfur, they cannot be used as justification for retaliation, the statement said.

Fears of civil war

“The violence in West Darfur is shocking. If you continue, you can develop into repeated campaigns of coercion, murder, and ethnic cleansing which are heinous crimes,” warned the Special Adviser.

Ms. Nderitu fears that if not addressed, violence and inter-communal conflict will occur in some areas in Sudan. can take the whole country in a civil warwith higher risks of atrocity crimes being committed.

The Special Adviser stressed that SAF and RSF leaders have a responsibility to protect civilians, and to respect international human rights and humanitarian law.

He also called for a quick and coordinated ceasefire, and for accountability for human rights violations and abuses.

UN chief ‘very worried’

UN Secretary General António Guterres “is very worried about this increasing species on the other hand of violence in Sudan, and by reports of sexual violence”, his spokesman said in a statement issued later on Tuesday.

Mr. Guterres is deeply concerned about the situation in Darfur and is alarmed by reports of serious violence and casualties across the region, especially in El Geneina, and other areas, including the town of Nyala in South Darfur, and in Kutum and El Fasher. , located in North Darfur.

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General reiterated his call for the SAF and RSF to stop fighting and do it to him correct cessation of hostilities. The parties also reminded of their obligation to protect citizens.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to support the people of Sudan,” Mr. Dujarric added.

“Along with almost nine million people in the urgent need for humanitarian and security assistance in Darfur, he stressed the need for an end to looting and wider access so that aid can reach those most in need.”

The UN chief also paid tribute to humanitarian workers, especially local partners, who risked their lives to help.