In brief
The UN has condemned the recent surge of violence in Sudan's Gezira state, where the Rapid Support Forces are accused of committing mass killings. As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, calls for a ceasefire and safe passage for aid are becoming increasingly critical.
A senior UN representative in Sudan has expressed grave concern over the alarming reports of mass killings and other serious crimes occurring in the central Gezira state. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, highlighted the disturbing incidents attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which include the loss of at least 124 civilian lives in recent village assaults. The RSF has rejected accusations of targeting civilians, claiming that their conflicts are with militias supposedly armed by the military.The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has now persisted for 18 months, has resulted in the tragic deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of over 11 million people. The situation in Gezira state escalated last week following a significant setback for the RSF, marked by the defection of a prominent commander, Abu Aqla Kayka, to the military, reportedly bringing a considerable number of his forces with him—a move seen as one of the first high-profile shifts in allegiance.In retaliation, the RSF vowed to defend its position and retaliate against any armed opposition. Nkweta-Salami reported that evidence points to a large-scale attack by the RSF between October 20 and 25, which has led to mass killings, sexual violence against women and girls, widespread looting, and destruction of agricultural lands.This type of violence has drawn comparisons to the atrocities witnessed in Sudan's Darfur region, where the RSF faced accusations of ethnic cleansing against communities opposing them. Nkweta-Salami noted that while the death toll remains uncertain, initial reports indicate significant casualties in the region.The Wad Madani Resistance Committee, which advocates for an end to the conflict and a return to democratic governance, condemned the RSF's actions, calling the violence "extensive massacres" affecting multiple villages. In light of these atrocities, the Sudanese doctors' union urged the UN to facilitate the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors to assist villagers who are at risk of facing genocide.The conflict originated in April 2023 from a power struggle between two military leaders, Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the RSF commander, and Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military chief. Their falling out brought about a fierce struggle for power, undermining Sudan's path to democracy that had begun post a 2021 coup. Despite diplomatic efforts by the US and Saudi Arabia to reach a peace accord, both leaders have yet to sign a settlement, leaving the situation in turmoil.
