A Sudanese militia allied with the SAF, known as the Sudan Shield Forces, has been accused of war crimes against civilians in al-Jazira state following a January attack that killed at least 26 people. Human Rights Watch reports systematic looting and destruction of property by the militia. The conflict has displaced millions and prompted urgent calls for accountability amid rising humanitarian needs.
The Sudan Shield Forces, a militia aligned with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), have been accused of committing war crimes following an attack in January that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, including a child. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the militia intentionally targeted the village, systematically looted properties, and set fire to homes while attacking civilians perceived as supporters of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Eyewitness accounts indicated that members of the Sudan Shield Forces, predominantly formed from Arab communities in al-Jazira state, engaged in racist verbal abuse during their assault. The scale of the looting included theft of money, food, livestock, and approximately 2,000 cattle. HRW’s Jean-Baptiste Gallopin stated that armed groups allied with the SAF have committed serious abuses against civilians amid ongoing offensives.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has intensified since the conflict erupted in April 2023, leading to the displacement of over 10 million individuals and high levels of food insecurity affecting more than 12 million people. The RSF, backed by the UAE and implicated in grave human rights violations, has expanded its control over significant areas of Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan. Recent atrocities, including a brutal attack in White Nile state resulting in 433 casualties, have further escalated concerns regarding the RSF’s actions against civilians.
Emergency Lawyers, a monitoring group, reported that the RSF targeted unarmed civilians in the villages of al-Kadaris and al-Khalwat, committing field executions, kidnappings, and lootings that contribute to rising death tolls. The situation remains dire as calls for thorough investigations into these abuses and accountability for commanders of the Sudan Shield Forces have emerged.
The conflict’s toll continues to deepen, with the Sudanese foreign ministry denouncing the RSF’s actions as indicative of a broader war against the Sudanese people. This ongoing violence and the humanitarian fallout reflect an urgent need for international attention and intervention to safeguard civilian lives amid chaos.
In summary, the conflict in Sudan, characterized by militia violence and systematic abuses against civilians, demands immediate investigation and accountability. The humanitarian crisis, compounded by widespread displacement and food insecurity, calls for collective global action to address the dire needs of the Sudanese population.
The allegations against the Sudan Shield Forces highlight a disturbing trend of militia violence in Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict. The attacks on civilians and subsequent looting underscore the urgent need for accountability and humanitarian intervention. With millions displaced and suffering from food insecurity, the international community must take decisive action to protect vulnerable populations and address the escalating crisis in Sudan.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
