General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of Sudan has ordered an investigation into allegations of civilian killings after the military recaptured Wad Madani. Human rights groups report significant casualties, raising concerns of ethnic-based violence. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has prompted international responses, calling for accountability from the military and affiliated forces amid escalating violence against civilians.
Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has initiated an investigation into reports of widespread civilian casualties believed to have occurred following the military’s retaking of Gezira state’s capital, Wad Madani, from paramilitary forces. This announcement follows increased concern over the loss of innocent lives, including foreign nationals, during the military’s operations.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in significant human rights violations. The military regained control of Wad Madani, a strategically vital area, on Saturday, after it had previously fallen to the RSF nearly a year earlier.
Reports from various human rights groups claim that the military engaged in violent reprisals against civilians in the region. Notably, a Sudanese rights organization indicated that at least 13 individuals were killed in Camp Taiba, raising alarm among international stakeholders about potential ethnic-based violence.
The United Nations’ humanitarian chief in Sudan voiced deep concern regarding these retaliatory attacks and their implications for civilian safety. In response to the harrowing accounts, U.S. special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, labeled the situations as “appalling,” demanding accountability from the army and its affiliates.
General Burhan established a committee tasked with investigating the killings in Camp Taiba. He directed the committee to finalize its report within one week, although no statements were made concerning the specific allegations raised by South Sudan regarding civilian deaths.
The South Sudanese government expressed its discontent by summoning Sudan’s ambassador, citing disturbing reports of fatalities involving their non-combatant nationals. It criticized the Sudanese military for asserting that South Sudanese individuals acted as mercenaries alongside the RSF.
Disturbing videos circulated on social media show evidence of violence, including one depicting a civilian being thrown from a bridge and subsequently shot. BBC Verify confirmed the video’s authenticity and linked it to events occurring at the Hantoub bridge, with additional footage showing numerous unidentified bodies in civilian attire.
The Sudanese armed forces condemned what they described as “individual violations” and vowed that individuals responsible for these atrocities would be held accountable. Both military factions have faced accusations of committing human rights offenses during this elongated conflict, especially following instances of retaliatory assaults by the RSF.
Since the eruption of conflict in April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in violence between the army and the RSF. The situation escalated when the RSF took control of critical locations, including the capital of Gezira state, Wad Madani. With significant regional and international implications, both the army and RSF have faced scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses amid ongoing hostilities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
In summary, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s directive to investigate alleged killings following military successes in Gezira reflects international concern over civilian casualties. While the military seeks to portray accountability for misconduct, reports of retaliatory violence indicate profound challenges to human rights amidst this protracted conflict. The situation necessitates keen observation and response from humanitarian organizations and international bodies to protect civilian lives in Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
