Sudan – On Thursday evening, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing a new massacre against civilians in the city of Al-Hilalia in Al-Jazeera State, in which 120 civilians were killed during the past two days.
This comes amid escalating local and international accusations in recent days against the Rapid Support Forces of committing violations and mass murders against civilians in Al-Jazeera State.
The Ministry explained that the victims were killed by bullets, or as a result of food poisoning and lack of medical care for hundreds of civilians, including men, women and children, who were held hostage by the Rapid Support Forces in various locations in the city.
She stated that the systematic escalation of massacres and atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians aims to call for international military intervention in Sudan under the pretext of protecting civilians, “so that the militia can avoid military defeat and maintain the positions it occupies.”
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry demanded that the Rapid Support Forces be classified as a terrorist group, that its leaders and members be prosecuted as wanted by international justice, and that anyone who helps or supports it or hosts its leaders and spokesmen be considered a sponsor of terrorism and an accomplice in its crimes.
Rapid Support did not issue a comment on the Sudanese Foreign Ministry’s statement.
Earlier Thursday, Sudanese activists announced that the toll of the Rapid Support attack on the city of Hilaliya reached 91 dead, including 12 by live bullets, and the rest as a result of food poisoning that the forces distributed to them.
Clashes renewed between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Army Forces in Al Jazeera State on October 20, following the defection of the leader of the Support Forces, Abu Aqla Kikel, a resident of the state, and the announcement of his joining the Army Forces.
Al-Hilaliya is one of dozens of villages that have been subjected to attacks in Al-Jazira State since Kikel’s defection, which led to retaliatory attacks that caused the displacement of more than 135,000 people.
Images from the Yale Humanitarian Lab report showed a rapid increase in cemeteries in several towns on the island since the latest retaliatory attacks began in late October. It also showed evidence of burning agricultural fields in the village of Azraq.
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 Forces control 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 fighting a war that has left more than 20,000 dead and about 13 million displaced and refugees, according to the United Nations and local authorities.
UN and international calls are escalating to end the war in order to spare Sudan a humanitarian catastrophe that has begun to push millions into famine and death, as a result of food shortages due to the fighting that has spread to 13 out of 18 states.
#Khartoum #accuses #Rapid #Support #committing #massacre #Gezira #State #killing #civilians
**Interview: Understanding the Situation in Sudan**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment today as we discuss the alarming situation unfolding in Sudan, particularly the recent massacres in Al-Hilalia. We have with us Dr. Ahmed Salim, a Sudanese human rights activist and expert in conflict resolution. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Salim.
**Dr. Salim:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Salim, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing significant atrocities against civilians in Al-Hilalia. Can you provide us with more context regarding these accusations?
**Dr. Salim:** Certainly. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry’s statement highlights a terrifying escalation in violence against civilians. They report that around 120 people were killed in the recent attacks, with many more suffering from food poisoning and a lack of medical care. These claims have been met with increasing scrutiny both domestically and internationally, as conflicting reports flood in.
**Host:** What are the implications of classifying the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist group, as suggested by the Foreign Ministry?
**Dr. Salim:** Classifying the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist group would have significant implications. It could enable international legal actions against their leaders and may also facilitate the imposition of sanctions. This classification could attract international military intervention aimed at protecting civilians, but it could also complicate the already dire humanitarian situation.
**Host:** There are claims that the attacks aim to provoke international military intervention under the guise of protecting civilians. What do you make of this assertion?
**Dr. Salim:** This is a serious allegation. The claim suggests that the Rapid Support Forces may be using the civilian casualties as a means to gain sympathy or support from the international community, using the narrative of protection. Such tactics are not uncommon in conflicts, unfortunately, and they complicate efforts for a peaceful resolution.
**Host:** Rapid Support has remained silent on the accusations. How might their silence affect public perception and the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Salim:** Silence can be interpreted in various ways, but in this case, it may imply a lack of accountability. It can increase public outrage and distrust, leading to further unrest. Moreover, if the Rapid Support Forces do not address these criticisms, they risk losing any remaining support from the local population as well as from international allies.
**Host:** what steps do you think need to be taken to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan effectively?
**Dr. Salim:** Immediate steps must include a ceasefire and protection for civilians. International organizations should be mobilized to provide humanitarian aid and assess the situation on the ground. Moreover, a concerted effort from the international community is necessary to facilitate dialogue between the warring parties, prioritizing the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Salim, for your insights into this heartbreaking situation. It is vital that awareness continues to grow about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
**Dr. Salim:** Thank you for having me, and for shedding light on this urgent issue.
