International Outcry Over Rapid Support Forces' Atrocities in Sudan
The international community has voiced strong condemnation regarding the recent actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al-Jazeera State, Sudan, where reports indicate that 124 civilians have been killed in violent attacks. These assaults are believed to be retaliatory measures against local leaders who defected from the RSF to join the Sudanese army. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta Salami, expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, highlighting that RSF fighters have engaged in indiscriminate shootings, sexual violence, and widespread looting, leading to significant civilian displacement.
Salami described the situation as reminiscent of the horrific human rights violations witnessed in Darfur, emphasizing that vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, are bearing the brunt of this conflict. She called for immediate action to protect civilians, reiterating that attacks on civilian populations are in direct violation of international humanitarian law.
Calls for Accountability and Humanitarian Support
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus have also condemned the recent atrocities, stressing the need for accountability for those responsible. Borrell highlighted the disturbing reports of mass killings and rapes, while Ghebreyesus pointed out the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan that continues to be overlooked by the international community.
The Sudanese government has accused the RSF of committing acts that amount to genocide and ethnic cleansing, particularly following the defection of a key RSF commander. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million people, according to UN estimates. With fighting spreading to nearly all states in Sudan, there are urgent calls from international bodies to halt the violence and avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
