The United Nations’ Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has issued a severe condemnation of escalating violence in Darfur, as the conflict enters its third year. This development follows the recent slaughter of over 100 civilians at displacement camps, underscoring the critical need for peace. The Fact-Finding Mission urgently calls for a truce under the framework of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) (JURIST).
Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, Mohamed Chande, highlighted the pervasive and horrific conditions civilians have endured over the past two years. The Mission fears that the ongoing ethnic violence and hate speech could mark a new, darker phase of the conflict. As noted, the violence, which initially erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum in 2023, quickly engulfed other parts of Sudan. The conflict has resulted in one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian crises, compounded by reports of widespread rape and sexual violence.
The humanitarian fallout is vast, with the UN Refugee Agency reporting that about 25 million Sudanese now require urgent assistance amid dire shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel (UNHCR). The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, established under resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2, continues to probe alleged human rights and IHL violations.
In the wake of attacks on the Zamam and Abu Shouk displacement settlements, Mona Rishmawi, another member of the Fact-Finding Mission, emphasized that deliberate attacks on civilians and health infrastructure constitute international crimes, urging immediate international action to stem the violence. The Mission’s findings have already identified war crimes committed by both sides and crimes against humanity mainly attributed to the RSF.
The International Criminal Court is currently conducting a focused investigation in Darfur, targeting allegations of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. These crimes, as defined under the Rome Statute, are of grave concern to global governance and demand international judicial intervention.
In parallel, the United Kingdom is preparing to co-host a conference with approximately 20 countries and organizations aimed at seeking solutions to end Sudan’s spiraling civil war. The Fact-Finding Mission, supported by numerous human rights organizations, underscores the necessity of prioritizing civilian protection while enhancing humanitarian aid, recommending international actors refrain from further exacerbation of the conflict.