The Sudanese capital, Khartoum, has witnessed widespread summary executions following its recent recapture by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), according to the United Nations.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on Thursday that credible reports indicate civilians suspected of collaborating with the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been extrajudicially killed.
“I urge the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
The UN’s findings come after reviewing multiple disturbing videos circulating on social media since March 26. These videos, reportedly filmed in southern and eastern Khartoum, show armed individuals executing civilians.
Some perpetrators in the footage claim they are punishing RSF supporters. The UN rights chief expressed deep concern over this, stating that he is “utterly appalled” by the escalation of violence.
A particularly harrowing report from the Janoub Al Hezam area of southern Khartoum detailed the killing of at least 20 civilians, including one woman, allegedly by SAF and its affiliates. “Extrajudicial killings are serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law,” Mr. Türk emphasized.
He stressed that both the perpetrators and those in command must face accountability under international criminal law.
Sudan’s conflict escalated following the collapse of its transition to civilian rule after the ousting of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Since then, the nation has spiraled into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The country holds personal significance for Mr. Türk, who made it his first official visit as High Commissioner in November 2022. He has since worked tirelessly to protect civilians from the devastating impact of war. In May 2024, he engaged in diplomatic discussions with Sudanese generals Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan of SAF and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of RSF in an effort to resolve the crisis.
Starvation Threat Looms Over Sudan
Speaking at the Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Mr. Türk warned that over 600,000 Sudanese citizens are on the brink of starvation due to prolonged fighting. “Famine is reported to have taken hold in five areas, including Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur,” he noted.
The situation is dire, with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) forced to suspend its lifesaving operations in some areas due to ongoing conflict. An additional five regions could face famine in the coming months, with 17 more at serious risk. Mr. Türk revealed that UN staff have heard “harrowing testimonies of death from starvation in Khartoum and Omdurman.”
The humanitarian crisis worsens as violence in Al Malha, located 180 kilometers north of El Fasher in North Darfur, has displaced approximately 250,000 people, most of whom are women, children, and elderly individuals.
The ongoing conflict has displaced an estimated 8.8 million people within Sudan, forcing an additional 3.5 million to flee across borders. Over 30.4 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, including food, healthcare, and shelter. With less than 30% of hospitals and clinics still operational, disease outbreaks continue to spread in overcrowded displacement camps.
In addition to the violence, Mr. Türk raised alarms over the rise of online hate speech and incitement to violence. He revealed that individuals accused of collaborating with the RSF are being targeted online, while ethnic groups from the Darfur and Kordofan regions are facing increased persecution.
The UN High Commissioner urged Sudanese authorities to launch independent, transparent investigations into these grave human rights violations. As the crisis deepens, the world watches, awaiting decisive action to bring relief to Sudan’s suffering population.
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