Sudan’s army chief orders an investigation into alleged civilian killings following military retaking of Wad Madani from RSF. Concerns raised include fatalities among foreign nationals. International condemnation has emerged, including from South Sudan, due to the loss of innocent lives. Reports indicate retaliation against civilians based on ethnicity and affiliations, prompting calls for accountability.
Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has initiated an investigation into allegations that his troops engaged in widespread killings following the recapture of Gezira’s capital, Wad Madani, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This decision comes in the aftermath of rising concerns regarding civilian casualties, including foreign nationals, during the military’s offensive.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, is characterized by fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Wad Madani, a strategic city located south of the capital Khartoum, had been under RSF control for about a year before the military regained it. The allegations of atrocities have emerged as international observers express concern over the impact on civilians.
In conclusion, General Burhan’s commitment to investigate alleged atrocities marks a critical step in addressing concerns regarding civilian safety during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The unfolding situation remains precarious, with serious implications for both international relations, particularly with South Sudan, and the humanitarian crisis developing in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk