The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Al Gezira state are committing severe human rights abuses, leading to civilian deaths and widespread displacement. Human Rights Watch reports an urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians. The UK, presiding over the UN Security Council in November, must advocate for a civilian protection mission as violence escalates.
In Sudan’s Al Gezira state, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have perpetrated severe human rights violations, including unlawful killings, injuries, and sexual violence against civilians, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. The RSF’s escalated attacks, particularly since the defection of a key ally to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), have led to the displacement of over 130,000 individuals. Given the critical circumstances, it is imperative that the United Kingdom utilizes its presidency of the UN Security Council in November to advocate for immediate UN intervention to safeguard civilians. The RSF’s violent actions have intensified following the defection of Commander Abu Agla Keikel, contributing to a series of aggressive assaults on towns and villages, such as Rufaa, Tamboul, Al-Sireha, and Azrag. These attacks have disproportionately affected those perceived to be affiliated with Keikel, leading to numerous civilian casualties. For instance, in Tamboul, approximately 300 civilians were reported dead after clashes on October 23. Furthermore, a local resident recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing an RSF soldier fatally shoot a man in the town when the group entered with threats against anyone who remained. Human Rights Watch has gathered testimonies from various sources illustrating the dire conditions faced by the affected communities. One particular case highlights that on October 25, after the RSF launched an assault on Al-Sireha village, they killed at least 124 civilians and injured over 200. Video evidence disclosed on social media has shown RSF fighters detaining men and exhibiting violent behaviors. There are also alarming reports of sexual violence inflicted on women and girls as young as six years old, with the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa documenting numerous cases of rape, some resulting in the victims committing suicide due to trauma. This ongoing crisis has led the UK, as the leading member on Sudan at the UN, to face pressure to secure international support for protective measures against the RSF’s actions. Rights groups and the media are calling for urgent action following reports of looting that compound the existing humanitarian challenges in the region. Thus, it is critical that the global community, particularly the UK, collaborates with the African Union to authorize a civilian protection mission in Sudan, as recommended by the UN Secretary-General and others. As Mohamed Osman, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized, “Global and regional leaders cannot afford to be missing in action given the alarming trends.” It is crucial for the UK to act decisively in this time of crisis to ensure that the urgent calls for assistance from those in peril are heard and responded to effectively.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are a paramilitary group in Sudan that has been involved in various conflicts and human rights abuses, particularly against civilians. Their recent aggressive actions in Al Gezira state signal an escalating threat following the defection of a commander to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Amid ongoing violence, the situation has prompted calls for international intervention to protect vulnerable populations who are facing increasing danger and suffering from the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. The UK holds significant diplomatic leverage as a penholder at the UN Security Council, making their involvement critical in advocating for measures to safeguard civilians.
The escalating violence perpetrated by the RSF against civilians in Sudan’s Al Gezira state calls for immediate international attention and action. As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, with numerous reports of killings, injuries, and sexual violence, there is an urgent need for protective measures to be implemented. The United Kingdom’s leadership at the UN Security Council could pave the way for a mission dedicated to civilian protection, ensuring that the needs and rights of the affected populations are prioritized in addressing this grave situation.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
