The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a grave warning regarding the crescendo of ethnic violence in Sudan, which has seen a disturbing rise in ethnically motivated attacks, hate speech, and violence against civilians. Türk’s urgent call for action comes amid widespread reports where ethnic tensions in the ongoing conflict have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Türk emphasized the immediate need for independent investigations into alleged war crimes, urging both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to adhere to international humanitarian law. “The proliferation of militia recruitment and mobilization of fighters, largely along ethnic lines, risks unleashing a broader civil war and inter-communal violence,” he cautioned.
This intervention by the United Nations follows the alarming events in Al Jazirah state, where the historically marginalized Kanabi group has been targeted by violence. In recent attacks, at least 21 civilians have lost their lives. The assaults, apparently perpetrated by the Sudan Shield Forces led by former RSF Commander Abu Aqla Keikal, are representative of the unmanaged ethnic division driving the brutality, compounded by hate speech dehumanizing specific communities. Türk highlighted that such retaliatory measures are nothing short of shocking and must be urgently curtailed.
Initiated in April 2023, the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and displaced millions, marking one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide. Concerns are magnifying with the recent imposition of sanctions by the United States on key Sudanese figures. These sanctions target SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for his role in attacks on civic establishments such as schools and hospitals, and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo for actions amounting to genocide and ethnic cleansing. Detailed information on this alarming trend can be viewed on JURIST.