Sudan’s Civil War: U.N. Report Reveals Widespread Abuses and Potential War Crimes”
The civil war in Sudan has seen both sides, including Sudan’s regular armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), committing abuses that may amount to war crimes. The U.N. human rights office, in a report covering the period from April to December, documented indiscriminate attacks on civilian sites such as hospitals, markets, and displaced camps. The conflict, ongoing for ten months, has resulted in thousands of casualties and over six million people being displaced, making it the country with the largest displaced population globally.
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U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that some of these violations could indeed be considered war crimes, emphasizing the need to silence the guns and protect civilians. The U.S. has already formally determined that both warring parties have committed war crimes. Additionally, the RSF and allied militias have been accused of ethnic cleansing in West Darfur. Both sides have expressed intentions to investigate reports of killings and abuses and prosecute any fighters found to be involved.
The report highlights instances of explosive weapons attacks affecting those fleeing or displaced. One incident detailed the shelling of a displaced people’s camp in Zalingei, Darfur, by the RSF between September 14-17, resulting in dozens of casualties. Another incident on August 22 saw 26 civilians, mostly women and children, killed by shells reportedly fired by the Sudanese Armed Forces while seeking shelter under a bridge.
The RSF was reported to have adopted a military strategy of using human shields, as testified by victims. Incidents in Khartoum described dozens of individuals being arrested and placed outside near RSF military posts to deter air strikes from Sudanese fighter jets.
Sexual violence has been a grave concern, with U.N. investigators documenting cases affecting 118 people. Disturbingly, one woman was detained and repeatedly gang-raped for weeks, with many of the rapes reportedly committed by RSF members. Reuters has also documented cases of gang rape in ethnically targeted attacks by RSF forces and allied Arab militia.
The conflict initially erupted in April over disputes about the powers of the army and the RSF under an internationally-backed plan for a political transition towards civilian rule and free elections. Despite international efforts, the conflict continues, causing immense human suffering and displacement.
