Sudan’s army chief, General Burhan, has ordered an investigation into alleged killings of civilians following the military’s recapture of Wad Madani from paramilitary forces. Over 100 civilians have reportedly been killed in the ongoing conflict, which started in April 2023. Accusations against both the army and Rapid Support Forces have raised concerns of human rights violations, prompting protests from South Sudan regarding the loss of innocent lives.
In light of rising allegations regarding war crimes, Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has initiated an investigation into claimed atrocities following the military’s recapture of Gezira state. Concerns have surfaced about civilian casualties, including foreign nationals, after the military regained control of Wad Madani from paramilitary forces. The act follows protests from South Sudan, which reported losses among its citizens during the conflict.
Since the outbreak of violence between the army and Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, Sudan has faced ongoing turmoil. Recently, a Sudanese rights organization accused armed forces of rampaging through the village of Camp Taiba, where at least 13 individuals were reportedly killed. United Nations humanitarian chief, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed grave concern over possible retaliatory attacks against civilians based on ethnicity or association.
The U.S. special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, condemned the reports as “appalling” and emphasized the need for accountability. Following these events, General Burhan has established a committee to examine the reported killings in Camp Taiba, with a request for a swift report. However, he has not specifically addressed the concerns raised by South Sudan or potential investigations into other incidents in the region.
South Sudan’s foreign ministry indicated receipt of a detailed report from its embassy concerning the unfortunate loss of its non-combatant citizens. The Sudanese military has previously claimed that the RSF employed South Sudanese individuals as mercenaries. Social media has circulated disturbing footage of violence and alleged human rights breaches, which have been verified to correlate with specific locations around Wad Madani, affirming the veracity of the claims.
On Tuesday, the Sudanese armed forces acknowledged “individual violations” but assured accountability for responsible parties. Both factions have faced accusations of committing atrocities throughout this prolonged conflict, which began over twenty months ago. The RSF stands accused of retaliatory violence following the defection of its commander, who had been integral to the military’s operations against RSF positions.
The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has severely affected the region and the safety of its inhabitants, leading to widespread allegations of human rights violations by both the military and the Rapid Support Forces. The recent recapture of Wad Madani is significant due to its strategic position, and the military’s actions following this takeover have drawn international scrutiny. Concerns for civilian safety, especially among foreign nationals, have prompted responses from neighboring countries, emphasizing the regional implications of the conflict.
The unfolding situation in Sudan highlights the urgent need for impartial investigations into the alleged war crimes and a commitment to protect civilian lives amid ongoing hostilities between the army and the RSF. General Burhan’s establishment of an investigative committee indicates a potential acknowledgment of the severity of the situation, though the military’s broader accountability remains critically essential as both parties contend for control while facing allegations of violence and atrocities. Continued international oversight and rapid responses from neighboring countries play a crucial role in addressing these pressing humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
