UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan said she was shocked and deeply appalled by human rights violations in al-Gezira, a repeat of crimes committed in Darfur.
Port Sudan: Altaghyeer
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said she was deeply troubled by reports of escalating armed violence in al-Gezira State, central Sudan, which has reportedly killed dozens of civilians.
A revenge campaign on al-Gezira State’s villages has been led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for now over a week following breakaway of a top leader in the State, Abu Aagla Kaikl, who joined the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The assaults have resulted in killing and injury of hundreds of civilians, widespread sexual violence against women and girls, displacement of thousands, looting, and burning of farms.
In one of these attacks at least 124 civilians were killed and more than 200 injured, Friday, in al-Seraiha village.
“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 al-Gezira State. These are atrocious crimes,” said Nkweta-Salami on Sunday.
“Women, children, and the most vulnerable are bearing the brunt of a conflict that has already taken far too many lives.”
The numbers of civilian casualties from these attacks are yet to be established, she said in a statement.
Thousands of families have fled their homes to several areas within al-Gezira State, while others have been moved to Gedaref and Kassala States.
“Attacking civilians, civilian objects, and public infrastructure is prohibited by International Humanitarian Law. It is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Civilians must be protected wherever they are,” said Nkweta-Salami.
