A coalition of 21 civil society organizations has urged the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied militias to end ethnic targeting in El Gezira. They report severe human rights violations against agricultural communities, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention. The coalition highlights a potential genocide threat and calls for accountability and protective actions to safeguard the affected populations.
A coalition of 21 internationally recognized civil society organizations has formally urged the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their allied militias to cease ethnic targeting in El Gezira state. They advocate for an end to ethnically motivated killings, enforced disappearances, and the destruction of agricultural encampments where ethnic groups from Darfur and Kordofan have historically worked the land since the early 1920s.
In a joint statement issued today, these organizations aim to highlight the dire human rights violations faced by residents of the Kanabi communities in El Gezira. The statement references a prior condemnation of extrajudicial killings and underscores the urgency of the situation; Kanabi communities have recently experienced a severe surge in violence and human rights abuses.
The Kanabi communities include predominantly non-Arab ethnic groups who settled in El Gezira generations ago. The organizations report a systematic pattern of violence, describing the situation as reflective of an ethnic cleansing campaign. They emphasize that the victims of these atrocities are primarily civilians and agricultural workers from various ethnic backgrounds.
Concerns regarding potential victimization extend to millions who might be targeted due to their ethnic identity. Reports indicate that as of January 2025, over 160 agricultural camps have been destroyed, with residents suffering theft and destruction of property. These acts have led many to starvation and destitution, compelling them to seek refuge in other regions of Sudan.
The organizations hold the Sudanese army, security forces, and allied militias, including the Sudan Shield Forces, accountable for these crimes against the agricultural camps. They request that prominent international figures, such as Mr. Adama Dieng and Ms. Virginia Gamba, investigate the nature and extent of violence toward these communities, warning that persistent inaction could lead to genocide.
Furthermore, there is a strong call for an immediate halt to ethnic killings and the destruction of the agricultural camps in El Gezira. The coalition demands accountability for those directing these crimes and advocates for the protection of all individuals in Sudan, regardless of ethnic background. They also seek the disbandment of tribal militias and the cessation of weapon distribution to civilians.
In their statement, the coalition notes the importance of addressing hate speech and incitement to violence, urging authorities to hold accountable those who instigate ethnic hatred and targeted violence. Although Radio Dabanga has pursued comment from the Sudan Shield Forces and SAF, previous attempts to engage these parties have yielded little response, aside from official statements.
In summary, the collective appeal from 21 civil society organizations against the backdrop of escalating violence in El Gezira underscores the urgent need for intervention to protect marginalized ethnic groups. The described atrocities not only violate fundamental human rights but also pose a risk of broader humanitarian crises. There exists a pressing necessity for accountability and protective measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals in Sudan, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
