General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of Sudan has ordered an investigation into alleged civilian killings by the army after the recapture of Wad Madani from the RSF. Concerns raised by South Sudan regarding civilian casualties were addressed, as rights groups accuse the military of massacres. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian crises and international concern.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chief of Sudan’s army, has initiated an investigation into reports of significant atrocities allegedly committed by his forces after they regained control of the Gezira state capital. This scrutiny follows grave concerns regarding the loss of civilian lives, including those of foreign nationals, following the recapture of Wad Madani from paramilitary groups. The military secured control of the area, which is vital for connecting major states, just recently, after it had fallen to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nearly a year ago.
The situation escalated with accusations from a Sudanese rights group alleging that the army killed at least 13 people in a village near Wad Madani. The UN’s humanitarian representative, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed her alarm over retaliatory attacks against civilians allegedly based on their ethnic background or affiliations. Meanwhile, the U.S. special envoy, Tom Perriello, criticized the reports of violence as appalling, calling for accountability from the military and their allies.
In response, General Burhan has established a committee to examine the alleged killings in Camp Taiba, demanding a report within a week. However, he has not addressed the concerns raised by South Sudan regarding the fatalities suffered by its civilians. South Sudan’s foreign ministry reported that it had received detailed accounts from its embassy in Sudan concerning the tragic loss of lives among its innocent citizens, who are not involved in the conflict.
Moreover, the Sudanese military denounced the RSF for enlisting South Sudanese individuals as mercenaries. Various disturbing videos circulated online depict instances of violence, including one showing a civilian being executed. A BBC verification team confirmed the authenticity of these videos and established their locations, while footage of other civilian casualties also emerged, raising further questions about the unfolding tragedy.
As tensions mount, the Sudanese armed forces condemned “individual violations” occurring in Gezira state and assured that those accountable for such actions would face consequences. Both conflicting parties face scrutiny for their roles in the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has persisted for over 20 months, with the RSF previously implicated in similar retaliatory violence.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating civil conflict, primarily between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has led to significant civilian casualties and is marked by allegations of atrocities committed by both sides. The strategic city of Wad Madani has seen heightened violence due to its vital geographic position, making it a focal point in the struggle between the conflicting factions. International responses, including protests from neighboring South Sudan, underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential for further escalation if accountability and peace are not established.
In summary, the unfolding situation in Sudan underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations into alleged human rights violations amid ongoing conflict. General Burhan’s establishment of a probe into reported atrocities signifies a recognition of the gravity of the allegations. Continued international scrutiny, alongside the efforts of civilian rights groups, is essential to ensure accountability and support for the affected non-combatant population. Vigilance remains crucial as concerns over retaliatory violence and civilian safety persist in this severely impacted region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
