Sudan army allies intentionally targeting civilians: HRW

An international human rights NGO recently released a report stating that armed groups fighting on the side of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are deliberately attacking civilians. The organization called for investigations into such actions and accountability for those responsible.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated in a report released on Tuesday that armed forces allied with the Sudanese military government attacked villages in central Sudan, and their actions may constitute war crimes. The report specifically emphasized the need to investigate the relevant incidents thoroughly and impartially.

During the 20-month-long brutal civil war, international human rights organizations have repeatedly accused the SAF's opponent, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of carrying out ethnic cleansing and even genocide. However, reports of abuse of power by the army have also been frequently seen, raising concerns about the conduct of all parties involved.

HRW's report pointed out that groups allied with the SAF, including the Sudan Shield Forces, the al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, and local militias, may also have committed war crimes. Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior crisis, conflict, and arms researcher at HRW, stated, "Armed groups fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces have committed violent abuses against civilians in the recent offensive launched in Gezira State."

The report detailed the Sudan Shield Forces' attack on the village of Tayba in Gezira State on January 10, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including a child, and injuries to many others. Witnesses stated that militants claiming allegiance to Abu Aqla Keikel, leader of the Sudan Shield Forces, randomly shot at residents and searched houses for men and boys to execute. They were also accused of looting the village and setting fire to buildings, creating an atmosphere of terror.

The survivors' descriptions were corroborated by satellite images, photos, and videos verified by HRW, strengthening the credibility of their accounts. HRW stated that this was just one of several attacks against communities believed to be RSF supporters after the army retook the area from the paramilitary forces last month, suggesting a pattern of retaliatory violence.

The Sudanese Armed Forces have condemned the abuse and promised to hold the perpetrators accountable, emphasizing their commitment to justice. However, the military insisted that these actions were "individual violations" and not representative of the broader conduct of their forces. Residents of Tayba village stated that government investigators had visited the site and interviewed key witnesses, and added that the Joint Forces, an armed movement allied with the SAF, had deployed troops to protect local residents.

However, HRW pointed out that since January 10, senior SAF generals, including Yasir al-Atta, a member of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, have publicly appeared with Keikel and praised his contribution to the war, raising questions about accountability. Gallopin stated that the Sudanese authorities should urgently investigate all reported abuses and hold the perpetrators accountable, including the commanders of the Sudan Shield Forces, regardless of their affiliations.