A coalition of 21 international civil society organizations has urged the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied militias to end ethnic targeting and violence in El Gezira, where communities of agricultural workers from Darfur and Kordofan face severe human rights violations. Reports indicate mass displacement, destruction of camps, and theft of resources. The coalition calls for accountability and intervention from international authorities to prevent genocide.
An international coalition of 21 human rights and civil society organizations has urged the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias to cease ethnic targeting in El Gezira state. The group emphasizes the importance of halting killings, enforced disappearances, and the destruction of agricultural camps that have historically housed ethnic groups from Darfur and Kordofan, who have been engaged in agriculture since the early 1920s. The coalition expressed that these communities, known as Kanabi, are currently facing significant human rights violations and violence, which they have highlighted in a recent statement.
The statement criticizes the Sudan Shield Forces for denying involvement in attacks against Kanabi communities while claiming support for investigations. The organizations describe the rampant abuses as indicative of an ethnic cleansing campaign, targeting civilians predominantly among agricultural workers from various ethnic groups, including Tama, Masalit, and Fur. The statement stresses that these actions threaten the lives of millions due to their ethnic or regional origins.
Since January 2025, reports suggest that over 160 agricultural camps have been destroyed, with inhabitants experiencing theft and starvation, leading to mass displacement. The coalition holds the Sudanese army and allied militia responsible for the crimes endured by these communities, demanding accountability and compensation for the victims and their families. They call for the disbanding of tribal militias and the cessation of firearm distributions to protect all Sudanese citizens without discrimination.
Additionally, the group is calling upon the African Union Special Envoy and the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor to investigate the ongoing violence in El Gezira. They urge these entities to assess whether the severity of human rights violations could escalate to genocide. Furthermore, the statement emphasizes the need for accountability for individuals who propagate hate speech or incite ethnic violence.
Engagement from both the Sudan Shield Forces and SAF regarding the coalition’s concerns remains minimal, highlighting a lack of transparency in military operations. The statement represents a critical call to action for both national and international authorities to intervene in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The urgent appeal from 21 international organizations highlights the dire situation in Sudan’s El Gezira state, where ethnic targeting and violence threaten countless lives. The coalition is demanding immediate action to halt human rights abuses, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and protect vulnerable communities. By raising these alarm bells, there is hope for increased global awareness and intervention to prevent further atrocities in the region.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
