A Sudanese militia supporting the armed forces stands accused of war crimes after an alleged attack on civilians resulted in at least 26 deaths. Human Rights Watch reports systematic looting and racist abuse during the incident. War in Sudan continues to escalate, displacing millions and leading to numerous human rights violations.
A militia allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has been accused of committing war crimes following an attack on a village in January that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, including a child. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Sudan Shield Forces intentionally targeted the village on January 10. The report indicates that the militia systematically looted civilian properties and set houses ablaze during the assault.
The Sudan Shield Forces, which was formed in 2022 and consists mainly of members from Arab communities in al-Jazira state, reportedly attacked civilians they believed to be aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Eyewitness accounts included instances of racist abuse directed toward locals during the attack. Reports indicate significant looting, including money, food, and livestock, with an estimate of around 2,000 cattle taken.
Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, a senior researcher at HRW, stressed the importance of accountability, stating, “Armed groups fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces have carried out violent abuses against civilians in their latest offensive in Gezira state.” He called for urgent investigations by Sudanese authorities into the reported incidents, including those committed by commanders of the Sudan Shield Forces.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, leading to the displacement of millions and numerous accusations of war crimes from both warring parties. The ongoing violence has severely affected over 12 million people, exacerbating high levels of food insecurity and resulting in thousands of fatalities. The RSF, as stated in the report, controls significant portions of Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan, with backing from the UAE.
In a recent escalation, the RSF reportedly executed a brutal three-day attack in White Nile state that left 433 individuals dead. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry condemned these actions as “the worst atrocity committed by the RSF” since earlier reported genocidal events in Geneina and Ardamita between August and November 2023. The Ministry articulated that the massacre reflects a broader war waged against the entire Sudanese populace.
Additionally, Emergency Lawyers, a monitoring group, reported mass attacks on unarmed civilians in al-Kadaris and al-Khalwat villages during the RSF’s offensives, detailing field executions, kidnappings, and enforced disappearances with a death toll estimated at 200. The situation in Sudan demands urgent attention and international intervention.
In summary, the accusations against the Sudan Shield Forces for targeting civilians and committing war crimes underscore the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The ongoing conflict has led to massive displacement and extreme human rights violations, necessitating prompt investigations and accountability for all responsible parties. The international community should respond vigorously to protect vulnerable populations and address the violations occurring amid the crisis.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
