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The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, warned on Thursday that Sudan faces the possibility of “another El Fasher” as intense conflict expands throughout the Kordofan region, fueling concerns of a new surge in crimes.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), formerly allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been engaged in a violent conflict since April 2023, with the fighting now moving to the three states in the oil-rich area.

It occurred after RSF fighters captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, last month, following a year-long siege that involved extensive killings, sexual assault, torture, and other grave crimes.

History repeating itself

Mr. Türk called on all countries that have sway over the involved parties to swiftly intervene and end the hostilities, as well as halt the flow of weapons fueling the conflict.

It is genuinely astonishing to witness history unfolding again in Kordofan just after the terrible occurrences in El Fasher, he said.

The global community was united at that time, clearly condemning the brutal acts and damage. We should not let Kordofan turn into another El Fasher.

Deadly airstrikes, revenge killings

The RSF took control of Bara city in North Kordofan on 25 October. Since that time, the UN human rights office,OHCHR, has recorded at least 269 civilian fatalities resulting from air attacks, mortar fire, and extrajudicial killings.

Nevertheless, the number of civilian injuries is expected to be greater due to disruptions in communication and internet access.

Reports have also emerged of revenge killings, unlawful imprisonment, kidnappings, sexual assault, and forced conscription – involving children as well.

Numerous civilians are said to have been arrested, charged with “cooperating” with rival groups, Mr. Türk noted, as concerns grow regarding the spread of inflammatory and polarizing rhetoric.

The outbreak of violence has led to widespread displacement, with more than 45,000 individuals seeking refuge inside or outside the area.

Humanitarian response affected

Aid groups in Sudan releaseda joint statementthat strongly criticizes the increasing violence throughout the Kordofan area and the continuous blockades that have isolated several cities.

The violence is hindering access to food, medicine, and vital supplies, and is preventing farmers from reaching their fields and markets,increasing the likelihood of famine spreadingacross the Kordofan regions,” it stated.

Mr. Türk mentioned that an RSF drone attack is reported to have killed 45 individuals in El Obeid, North Kordofan, on 3 November, while an SAF strike in Kauda, South Kordofan, on 29 November is said to have caused the death of at least 48 people—mostly civilians.

Concerns about Kadugli and Dilling

He cautioned that the towns of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan face significant danger because they are under siege by the RSF and an associated group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-N).

Humanitarians stated that communities are still stuck, dealing with extreme difficulties, strict limitations on their movement, and reduced availability of vital services and safety.

Famine-like situations have also been noted in Kadugli, with ongoing conflicts reported in Babanusa, West Kordofan, in recent days.

We are unable to remain inactive

We must not stay quiet in the face of another human-caused disaster,Mr. Türk appealed for an end to the violence and for assistance to those suffering from hunger.

Have we not taken the lessons from history to heart? We must not remain passive and let more Sudanese people suffer from terrible human rights abuses.We need to take action, and this conflict has to end immediately.“

The war in Sudan has led to one of the most significant humanitarian emergencies globally, affecting around 30 million individuals who require support.

Humanitarians keep working despite the significant dangers, providing aid to approximately 1.1 million individuals within the Kordofan region alone.

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Tagged: International Organizations and Africa, Legal and Judicial Affairs, Sudan, External Relations, East Africa

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