Sudan’s Army Chief Initiates Investigation into Atrocities in Gezira State
Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has ordered an investigation into alleged military atrocities in Gezira state after recapturing Wad Madani. Reports indicate civilian deaths following the military’s takeover, prompting protests from South Sudan. Both the US and UN officials have condemned the violence, urging accountability as the conflict continues to escalate.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chief of Sudan’s army, has initiated an investigation into allegations of widespread atrocities committed by his troops following the recapture of Gezira state’s capital. This directive follows alarming reports of civilian casualties, including those of foreign nationals, during the military’s takeover of Wad Madani, which is key for regional connectivity and lies near the capital, Khartoum.
South Sudan’s government has expressed its concerns by calling in Sudan’s ambassador, citing the loss of innocent lives amongst its citizens due to the conflict. The violence has escalated since fighting erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. Since the RSF seized control of Wad Madani nearly a year earlier, the city has been strategically significant as a supply route.
Reports from a Sudanese rights group allege that military forces carried out a rampage in Camp Taiba, resulting in the deaths of at least thirteen individuals. In response to these incidents, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s humanitarian chief for Sudan, expressed alarm over retaliation against civilians based on perceived ethnic affiliations. Tom Perriello, the US special envoy for Sudan, condemned these events, urging the army and its allies to conduct thorough investigations.
General Burhan has established a committee to examine the claims made about the killings in Camp Taiba, requesting a report within a week. However, he has not addressed the South Sudan concerns or whether the investigation will extend to reports of violence in other areas of Gezira. The South Sudan foreign ministry has indicated it received a detailed report from its embassy outlining the tragic events leading to the loss of civilian lives.
Social media footage depicting various incidents, including an individual in civilian attire being thrown from a bridge and shot, has raised concerns as it gained traction online. Verification by BBC has confirmed that such videos were filmed at noteworthy locations, including Hantoub bridge. Additionally, footage of numerous civilian bodies gathered post-conflict has emerged, complicating efforts to determine the identity and affiliations of the deceased.
The Sudanese armed forces have acknowledged facing incidents labeled as ‘individual violations’ in parts of Gezira, pledging accountability for any wrongdoings. Throughout the prolonged conflict, both factions have faced allegations of committing atrocities, with the RSF accused of counter-attacks following a key commander’s defection. This complex situation continues to evolve amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns in Sudan.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war primarily involving the Sudanese National Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict escalated dramatically as these factions fought for control over strategic towns, leading to significant civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The city of Wad Madani, recently retaken by the army, serves not only as a vital supply route but also as a focal point in the conflict, reflecting the larger regional tensions and the impact on civilian populations.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with accusations of mass atrocities echoing through international forums and humanitarian channels. General Burhan’s establishment of an investigative committee signals an acknowledgment of the urgent need to address these allegations, yet the outcomes of such findings remain to be seen. The attention from neighboring South Sudan adds a diplomatic dimension, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the conflict on regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
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