The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) has condemned the acts of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who continue to carry out their fighting in neighborhoods and civilian homes in Sudan.
Development Diaries reports that the acts of atrocities committed in Sudan’s Al Geneina district of West Darfur State amount to genocide and war crimes against civilians and human rights defenders (HRDs).
The fighting between the SAF and the RSF, which started on 24 April, 2023, has resulted in the killing of over 1,000 people and 2,000 injuries in Al Geneina.
According to a report by SIHA, the RSF continues to burn down parts of the city, resulting in hospitals, markets, and basic services being shut down completely. This has denied civilians access to basic commodities vital to their survival.
About 37 women have died during childbirth complications and almost 200 dialysis patients died due to the collapse of health services and the attacks on hospitals.
Also, local reports confirm 13 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Al Geneina.
Human rights activists have also been targeted by the RSF, with reported murder cases of 14 human rights activists between 27 April and 10 June.
These acts show the RSF’s persistence in violating international humanitarian law by committing war crimes against civilians and officials.
‘We are alarmed by the acts of the RSF, which mirror the atrocities and war crimes committed in Darfur against civilians by the Bashir regime and his allies the Janjaweed militia, which was the forerunner of the current RSF’, SIHA said in its report.
As the warring generals have now agreed to a new 72-hour truce, Development Diaries calls on the African Union through its Peace and Security Council (PSC) to step in and mediate a lasting truce to bring peace to the country.
We also call for investigations into the alleged war crimes committed by warring parties and ensure those found guilty are brought to justice.
Photo source: SIHA Network
