Sudan – The head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council in Sudan, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, confirmed yesterday, Friday, that the Rapid Support Forces’ violations of international law and their crimes against humanity “will not go unpunished, and make them intolerable.”
Al-Burhan explained in a post on his account on the
He stressed that “violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity will not go unpunished, and make it impossible to tolerate this terrorist militia (Rapid Support).”
Al-Burhan’s statement comes after accusations by the government, Sudanese Rapid Support bodies and activists of killing dozens of civilians in villages in Al-Jazeera state in the center of the country.
Earlier Friday, the “Hasahhisa City Resistance Committees” in Al-Jazeera State (volunteers active in war victim relief efforts) accused the Rapid Support Forces of killing 50 civilians and wounding more than 200 others, as a result of attacks on a village in Al-Jazeera State.
On Friday, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also accused the Rapid Support of launching “retaliatory attacks” on villages and towns east of Al-Jazira State, which borders Khartoum to the south, after leaders from that state defected and joined the army. Describing the attacks as amounting to “the level of genocide and ethnic cleansing.”
The Sudan Doctors Syndicate (non-governmental) and the Sudan Doctors Network (independent), in two separate statements, condemned the Rapid Support attacks on civilians on the island and on medical personnel in the cities of Rifa’a and Tambul in the same state.
The Sudan Doctors Syndicate said: “We condemn the continued violence and systematic violations against civilians in Sudan, and the escalation of retaliatory campaigns carried out by the Rapid Support in the east of the island during the past days, which affected more than 30 villages, and the brutal violations included random killing, torture, rape, forced displacement, and looting of property.”
As of 20:20 (UTG), the Rapid Support Forces had not issued any comment regarding these accusations.
After the defection of the Rapid Support Commander in Al-Jazeera State, Abu Aqla Muhammad Ahmed Kikel, on October 20, clashes renewed between the army and the Rapid Support in the state.
In December 2023, the Rapid Support, led by Kikel, took control of several cities on the island, including Wad Madani, the center of the state.
Currently, the Rapid Support controls large parts of the state, except for the city of Al-Manaqil and its surrounding areas, up to the borders of Sennar State in the south, and west to the borders of White Nile State.
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been waging a war that has left more than 20,000 dead and more than 11 million displaced and refugees, according to the United Nations.
UN and international calls are mounting to end the war in order to spare Sudan a humanitarian catastrophe that has begun to push millions into famine and death due to food shortages due to the fighting that has spread to 13 out of 18 states.
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Interview with Dr. Amina Hassan, International Relations Expert and Sudan Analyst
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. Let’s dive right into the recent statements from Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan regarding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He mentioned that their actions will not go unpunished. What do you make of this declaration?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Thank you for having me. Al-Burhan’s statement signals a significant shift in the official narrative regarding the RSF, which has been associated with numerous human rights violations. By explicitly condemning their actions, he’s attempting to position the Sudanese military as a defender of human rights, contrasting itself against what he refers to as a “terrorist militia.”
Interviewer: The Rapid Support Forces have been accused of horrific crimes against civilians. Can you provide insight into the context of these allegations?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Certainly. The recent accusations stem from multiple reports of violence in Al-Jazeera State, where the RSF allegedly killed dozens of civilians in response to local leaders defecting to the Sudanese Armed Forces. This exemplifies the ongoing power struggle in Sudan, where military factions are vying for control, often at the expense of civilian life. The claims of genocide and ethnic cleansing are particularly alarming and highlight a dire humanitarian crisis.
Interviewer: Civil society groups like the Hasahhisa City Resistance Committees and medical organizations have condemned the RSF’s actions. How important is their role in this situation?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Their role is essential. Grassroots organizations and local volunteers not only provide immediate aid but also document human rights violations, helping to keep international attention on the situation. Their voices are crucial in holding power accountable and advocating for the protection of civilians. These civil society groups offer a counter-narrative to governmental statements and are instrumental in the fight for justice.
Interviewer: What implications does Al-Burhan’s statement have for the future of the Sudanese military and governance?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Al-Burhan’s commitment to addressing the RSF’s conduct could indicate a desire to stabilize the political landscape and regain legitimacy, especially after widespread criticism. However, it also raises questions about his ability to control the RSF, which operates semi-autonomously. The situation remains volatile, and whether these words translate into tangible action against the RSF will be critical for both national and international confidence in Sudan’s leadership.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your valuable insights on this complex and troubling situation in Sudan.
Dr. Amina Hassan: Thank you for having me; I hope future developments bring peace and accountability to the region.
Dr. Amina Hassan: Their role is absolutely crucial. Civil society groups are often the first to document and report human rights abuses on the ground. Their eyewitness accounts and advocacy work bring international attention to these crises, which can sometimes pressure governments and organizations to take action. Additionally, medical organizations’ reports on attacks against healthcare workers and civilians highlight the severe toll this conflict is taking on the population, reinforcing the need for urgent humanitarian assistance.
Interviewer: Given the scale of violence and the ongoing conflict, what measures should the international community take to address the situation in Sudan?
Dr. Amina Hassan: The international community must prioritize diplomatic efforts to facilitate a ceasefire and encourage dialogue between the conflicting factions. Humanitarian aid must be escalated to provide immediate relief to those affected by the violence because the numbers—over 11 million displaced and a looming famine—paint a grim picture. Additionally, there should be calls for accountability for those responsible for war crimes, possibly through sanctions or international legal action, to dissuade future violations.
Interviewer: Lastly, with the conflict having persisted since April 2023 and showing no signs of abating, what do you foresee for the future of Sudan?
Dr. Amina Hassan: The situation remains precarious. Unless there is a unified and sustained effort from both national and international stakeholders, we could be looking at a protracted conflict that exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe. The potential for further fragmentation of power among military factions could also lead to more violence. However, it’s crucial to remain hopeful; grassroots movements and continued advocacy can pave the way for a more peaceful resolution in the long term. Ultimately, the resilience of the Sudanese people may be key to overcoming these challenges.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights on this complex and evolving situation. Your expertise is invaluable in understanding the crisis in Sudan.
Dr. Amina Hassan: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to shed light on these issues and advocate for the people of Sudan.
