UN Specialist Urges Immediate Safeguarding of Khartoum Residents in Light of Disturbing Summary Execution Reports
GENEVA (3 October 2024) – In the midst of heightening skirmishes and alarming reports of rapid executions, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Sudan specialist, Radhouane Nouicer, has urgently appealed for both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their affiliated armed factions, to step up and shield civilians in the greater Khartoum region.
Beginning 25 September 2024, SAF initiated a significant campaign to reclaim territories held by RSF around greater Khartoum. Allegedly, this move included bombings from the air and artillery assaults targeting RSF placements, crucially those near Khartoum’s key access routes, such as the Halfaya bridge. These offensives have reportedly led to numerous civilian casualties and inflicted severe harm on civilian infrastructure.
“The current clash in the expanse of Khartoum mirrors the chaos from April 2023’s conflict onset, potentially resulting in extensive civilian harm, severe human rights breaches, and mass displacement,” Nouicer forewarned.
Amid the escalating chaos, the Expert has revealed his alarm about accounts of quick executions involving young men, predominantly from Halfaya in Khartoum-North (Bahri), allegedly by SAF and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, known for its past support for SAF. Reports suggest that in recent days, as many as 70 young men have been killed.
“Footage spreading through media reveals the lifeless bodies of young men, said to be slain over presumed ties or cooperation with RSF. This is utterly galling and violates every standard and law of human rights,” the Expert declared. One video shows armed individuals donning SAF uniforms, with one asserting they originate from Khartoum-North and have killed six individuals suspected of looting.
Nouicer has called on all conflict parties to adhere to their duties under international humanitarian and human rights laws, emphasizing that life should not be arbitrarily taken. He emphasized the need for a swift, comprehensive, unbiased investigation into these deaths and insist that those responsible face consequences as outlined by international guidelines. “Even in war, there are rules. The cycle of impunity has got to cease,” he insisted.
For inquiries and press matters, please reach out:
In Geneva
- Ravina Shamdasani – +41 22 917 9169 / [email protected]
- Liz Throssell – +41 22 917 9296 / [email protected]
- Jeremy Laurence – +41 22 917 9383 / [email protected]
- Seif Magango – +41 79 752 04 88 / [email protected]
Delve into the initial article here.