Extensive War Crimes Committed in Sudan Conflict, Amnesty International Reports
The conflict in Sudan, which has been ongoing since April, has seen both sides committing extensive war crimes, according to a report by Amnesty International. The human rights group highlighted the crimes committed by the warring parties, led by two feuding generals, including sexual violence against young girls and the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.
The conflict began on April 15 when regular army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former deputy, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, engaged in a war for control of territory. Since then, civilians throughout Sudan have been subjected to unimaginable horrors as the two factions vie for power.
Amnesty International’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, stated, “Civilians throughout Sudan are suffering unimaginable horror every single day as the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces recklessly vie for control of territory.” She called on the RSF and SAF to end their targeting of civilians and ensure safe passage for those seeking safety.
Al-Burhan and Daglo came to power in October 2021 through a coup that disrupted a fragile transition to civilian rule following the ousting of long-ruling autocrat Omar Al-Bashir in April 2019. However, their relationship deteriorated, leading to the current conflict. The fighting has primarily taken place in Khartoum and the western region of Darfur, resulting in over 3,900 deaths and displacing more than 3.3 million people, according to ACLED and the UN.
Amnesty International’s report highlights the extensive war crimes being committed in Sudan as the conflict ravages the country. The warring parties are responsible for mass civilian casualties through deliberate and indiscriminate attacks. Both sides frequently launch attacks in densely populated residential neighborhoods, often using explosive weapons with wide area effects, putting men, women, and children at risk.
The report also sheds light on the sexual violence endured by women and girls, some as young as 12, who have been subjected to rape and sexual slavery. Many survivors identified the perpetrators as fighters from the RSF or its Arab militia allies. Amnesty International conducted interviews with over 180 individuals, primarily in eastern Chad, where refugees from Darfur have sought shelter. The group also conducted remote interviews via secure calls.
Amnesty International presented its findings to the army and the RSF, both of whom responded by claiming adherence to international law and accusing the other side of violations. However, the evidence gathered by the human rights group paints a grim picture of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The international community must take immediate action to address the war crimes being committed in Sudan. Efforts should focus on holding those responsible accountable for their actions and ensuring the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire. Humanitarian aid should be provided to those displaced by the conflict, with a particular emphasis on supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Additionally, diplomatic efforts should be intensified to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Dialogue between the warring parties, facilitated by regional and international mediators, is crucial to ending the violence and establishing a sustainable peace in Sudan.
The situation in Sudan demands urgent attention and action from the global community. The extensive war crimes being committed cannot be ignored, and steps must be taken to protect the lives and rights of innocent civilians. Only through concerted efforts can Sudan begin its journey towards stability, justice, and reconciliation.