The UN Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has condemned the escalating violence in Aj Jazirah State, highlighting severe human rights violations carried out by the Rapid Support Forces. The ongoing attacks have led to numerous civilian casualties and mass displacement, prompting urgent calls for the protection of civilians and adherence to International Humanitarian Law.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has voiced grave concern regarding the intensified violence in Aj Jazirah State, which has reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties. In a press release dated October 26, she expressed her dismay over the recurrence of egregious human rights violations reminiscent of those observed in Darfur last year, such as rape, targeted attacks, and mass killings. “I am shocked and deeply appalled that human rights violations of the kind witnessed in Darfur last year – such as rape, targeted attacks, sexual violence, and mass killings – are being repeated in Aj Jazirah State. These are atrocious crimes,” stated Nkweta-Salami. Aj Jazirah State, with Wad Madani as its capital, is located between the Blue Nile and the White Nile in east-central Sudan. Nkweta-Salami reported that from October 20 to 25, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) executed extensive assaults across the eastern part of Aj Jazirah. Her press release detailed that RSF fighters indiscriminately shot at civilians, perpetrated sexual violence against women and girls, conducted widespread looting of markets and homes, and destroyed farms by arson. The violence has resulted in numerous reports of physical assaults, humiliation, and threats inflicted upon residents of various villages, such as Safita Ghanoubab, Al-Hilaliya, and Al-Aziba. An alarming number of civilians have fled their homes in fear for their safety. The exact number of civilian casualties remains undetermined; however, it is evident that thousands of families have been displaced within Aj Jazirah State and beyond, with some seeking refuge in Gedaref and Kassala states. Humanitarian organizations are currently compiling more information regarding the situation while mobilizing support for the increasing number of displaced individuals. The UN Coordinator strongly reminded the conflicting parties that the assault on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and public objects is explicitly prohibited under International Humanitarian Law. “It is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Civilians must be protected wherever they are,” she emphasized.
The violence in Aj Jazirah State comes amid ongoing conflicts in Sudan, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civilian populations. This specific region has witnessed a rise in violent hostilities, drawing parallels to the severe human rights abuses previously reported in Darfur. The presence of the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group involved in past atrocities, has heightened concerns for the safety of civilians who are often the most affected by such escalations. The international community continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of human rights in the face of these persistent conflicts.
In summary, the situation in Aj Jazirah State reflects an alarming resurgence of violence and human rights violations, echoing the troubling events witnessed in Darfur. The international community, represented by the UN, is calling for immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians as humanitarian crises deepen in the region. It is imperative that all parties adhere to International Humanitarian Law to safeguard the lives of the most vulnerable populations in Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
