The Chief Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, Ravina Shamdasani, has raised concerns over the worsening plight of civilians in Sudan amid escalating ethnic violence in Al Jazirah, which poses a grave threat to the already volatile conflict in Khartoum.
During a bi-weekly press briefing in Geneva on Friday, 17 January, Ms Shamdasani highlighted reports of severe violence, including ethnically motivated killings in Al Jazirah. She warned of a looming battle for control of the capital. She called for an immediate halt to hostilities and appealed directly to the Transitional Sovereign Council President and the Rapid Support Forces Commander.
She stated, “The situation for civilians in Sudan is becoming increasingly perilous following reports of numerous brutal killings in ethnically motivated attacks in the south-eastern state of Al Jazirah, alongside indications of an impending struggle for control of Khartoum.
“Retaliatory attacks, marked by shocking brutality, against entire communities based on actual or perceived ethnic identity are increasing, as is hate speech and incitement to violence. This must be urgently stopped.”
Ms. Shamdasani also criticised the prolonged power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has exacerbated the crisis over the past two years. She underscored that both parties bear responsibility for the conduct of their fighters.
Adding to the dire situation, reports emerged of drone strikes on 13 January in the city of Omdurman, which are said to have killed approximately 120 civilians and injured more than 150 others.
Frances Ibiefo
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