Sudan: RSF on spot over civilian massacres

SUDAN - The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused yet again of killing civilians in Sudan, even as their differences with the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) deteriorate further, attracting outcry from the international community.

The United States accused RSF of killing unarmed civilians in Wad_al_Noura, Sudan's Gezira state. Credible reports indicate the violence on 05 June resulted in the deaths of over 100 people and injuries to many more.

In a statement, the State Department asked RSF to embrace a ceasefire with immediate effect, adding that there is a need for the force to be accountable for its actions. Both RSF and SAF, the State Department added, have a role to protect innocent civilians.

"It is imperative that the RSF take immediate action to stop these attacks and demonstrate swift accountability for those responsible for the murder of civilians. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces must ensure the protection of civilians and hold accountable anyone within their ranks who is responsible for war crimes or violations of the Jeddah Declaration," read the statement.

"Attacks on civilians throughout Sudan must stop now. There can be no military victory in this war, whose toll is being measured in the tragic loss of civilian lives, displacement of millions from their homes, acute malnourishment, rape and torture, and ethnic cleansing.

"The United States calls for the resumption of ceasefire negotiations, an immediate end to obstructions of humanitarian aid deliveries, and a return to civilian governance that the Sudanese people have long demanded."

The US condemnation follows a similar statement issued on 06 June by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack and urged all parties to refrain from further violence that could harm civilians or infrastructure.

The Rapid Support Force and Sudan Armed Forces have been fighting for the last two years after the transitional government lost substantive powers to the military, which had jointly been leading the country after the ouster of Sudan's strongman Omar el-Bashir. The former leader was removed from power in 2019 following a civilian uprising.

GAROWE ONLINE