UN: Paramilitary Forces repeat Darfur atrocities in central Sudan
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The United Nations on Sunday described attacks, killing, rape and humiliation perpetrated by the paramilitary forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), against civilians in central Sudan as “atrocious crimes” and a repeat of human rights violations committed by the same forces in Darfur last year.
A statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the attacks in Gazira state, central Sudan, said the UN official was deeply troubled by reports of escalating violence that primarily targeted women, children and elderly.
“United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, is deeply troubled by reports of escalating armed violence in (Gazira) State, which has reportedly claimed the lives of scores of civilians.”
The statement said three days after, the social media and internet was awash with videos, audio, picture and text showing mass punishment in central Sudan carried out by the RSF.
The UN statement indicated that preliminary reports between 20 and 25 October indicated that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a major attack across eastern Gazira.
The statement added that, according to these reports, RSF fighters reportedly shot at civilians indiscriminately, perpetrated acts of sexual violence against women and girls, committed widespread looting of markets and homes and burned down farms.
It went on to add that residents from several villages, including Safita Ghanoubab, Al- Hilaliya, and Al-Aziba, were reportedly subjected to physical assaults, humiliation, and threats resulting in scores of civilians fleeing their homes for safety. Those who remain face severe threats.
“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 Gazira State. These are atrocious crimes,” Nkweta-Salami was quoted by the statement as saying.
She added: “Women, children, and the most vulnerable are bearing the brunt of a conflict that has already taken far too many lives.”
While reports from various sources and eyewitnesses in addition to ceremonies of mass burials, indicated that between 150 to 200 people were killed, the UN statement cautioned about providing any figures saying that the “numbers of civilian casualties from these attacks are yet to be established”.
But it added that “thousands of families” have fled their homes to several areas within the State, while others have been displaced to Gadarif and Kassala states in Eastern Sudan.
“Humanitarian partners are gathering more information on the situation, alongside mobilizing to assist the hundreds of people displaced by the escalation of hostilities,” The UN statement explained.
“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.
-0-PANA MO/RA 27Oct2024
