The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, recently voiced his concerns over the significant human rights abuses occurring amid the ongoing armed conflict in Wad Madani, Sudan, between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Reports have alleged that a minimum of 250,000 individuals have been displaced due to the conflict in Sudan. In Wad Madani, instances of mutilations, looting, and an attack on a hospital have surfaced. Numerous civilians have reportedly been injured, killed, or detained by both warring groups, with some attacks ethnically motivated.
Türk underscored the responsibility of the SAF and the RSF to safeguard civilians and their property, in line with international human rights and humanitarian law. He reiterated that attacks on civilians and their possessions are prohibited. He further highlighted the necessity for both groups to provide protection for human rights defenders and humanitarian workers, along with ensuring that civilians retain access to humanitarian aid.
Given that Wad Madani has a population exceeding 300,000, international observers have raised apprehensions as the conflict between SAF and RSF reached the city.
The SAF serves as the military power of Sudan, while the RSF is a paramilitary organization, which evolved from the Janjaweed militia. The ongoing armed confrontation in Sudan, which began on April 15, has resulted in more than 9,000 casualties and displaced about 5.7 million people. Approximately 25 million individuals are also in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, indicated on December 6 that both the SAF and RSF groups have enacted severe violence, resulting in death and destruction across Sudan, with civilians bearing the brunt of this conflict. Additionally, on December 1, following disappointing outcomes and rising violence, the UN Security Council resolved to end its political mission in Sudan, describing the situation as a “severe humanitarian crisis” exacerbated by a notable increase in “abhorrent sexual and gender-based violence.”
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