General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of Sudan has ordered an investigation into alleged civilian killings by military troops following their recapture of Wad Madani. Concerns from South Sudan regarding civilian casualties have prompted diplomatic protests. The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces has persisted since April 2023, resulting in significant casualties and humanitarian challenges for the civilian population.
Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has initiated an investigation into allegations of widespread atrocities committed by his troops following their recapture of the capital of Gezira state from paramilitary forces. This inquiry was prompted by reports that civilians, including foreign nationals, were among those killed after the military regained control of Wad Madani. Concerns were raised by neighboring South Sudan, which summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest against the loss of innocent lives among its citizens.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict as the army battles the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Wad Madani, a crucial city located 87 miles south of Khartoum, fell to the RSF approximately a year prior to its recent recapture by the military. The city plays a significant role in connecting multiple states through vital supply routes and is strategically positioned close to the capital.
A Sudanese rights organization has accused the military of executing a violent rampage, claiming at least 13 individuals were killed in Camp Taiba, a nearby village. The United Nations’ humanitarian chief in Sudan expressed alarm over reports of retaliatory violence against civilians in Gezira, suggesting that these attacks were linked to alleged ethnic affiliations or loyalties.
United States Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, described the reports as “appalling,” urging the military and associated groups to conduct thorough investigations and hold those responsible accountable. In response, Gen Burhan announced the establishment of a committee tasked with investigating the alleged Camp Taiba killings, insisting that a report be submitted within a week.
While Burhan’s statement did not address South Sudan’s concerns or indicate whether the investigation would encompass other alleged atrocities in Gezira, South Sudan’s foreign ministry has indicated it received detailed reports concerning the tragic loss of lives among its non-combatant citizens. The Sudanese military has previously accused RSF forces of recruiting South Sudanese nationals as mercenaries to bolster their ranks.
Social media has circulated videos of various incidents, including one depicting a civilian being thrown off a bridge and shot. The BBC has verified that this incident occurred at the Hantoub bridge over the Blue Nile river and matched elements of the footage with prior recordings of the bridge’s features. There are also other videos showing numerous bodies in civilian attire at a site associated with a military ambush against RSF fighters.
The Sudanese armed forces condemned the “individual violations” reportedly occurring within parts of Gezira state, vowing that responsible parties would face accountability. Historical allegations of atrocities have been leveled against both parties engaged in this ongoing twenty-month conflict. The RSF, for instance, has been accused of retaliatory violence in Gezira following the defection of their commander, Abu Aqla Kaikal, who played a key role in recapturing Wad Madani.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, when fighting erupted between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The situation has rapidly deteriorated, resulting in widespread violence against civilians. The strategic city of Wad Madani, now under military control, had previously fallen to the RSF and is critical for connecting various regions via supply routes. Civilian casualties have drawn international condemnation, with neighboring countries expressing concern over cross-border impacts. The involvement of foreign nationals and allegations of mercenary activities have further complicated the conflict dynamics, highlighting regional concerns. Reports of gender-based violence, ethnic targeting, and public executions underscore the dire humanitarian conditions and urgent need for accountability and protection of non-combatants in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan remains precarious, marked by allegations of severe human rights abuses amid ongoing military operations. General Burhan’s request for an investigation into the alleged killings in Gezira highlights the international community’s call for accountability and protection of civilians. As the conflict endures, regional stability will depend on effective responses to the humanitarian crisis and the resolution of entrenched ethnic and political tensions.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
