UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan: ``Shocked by Events in Al-Jazira State``
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The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed deep concern over reports of escalating armed violence in Al-Jazira State, which has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians.
According to preliminary UN reports, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a major attack in eastern Al-Jazira State between October 20 and 25, indiscriminately shooting civilians, committing acts of sexual violence against women and girls, and carrying out widespread looting of markets and homes. Civilians faced physical assaults, humiliation, and threats, leading dozens to flee their homes in search of safety, while those who remained face severe risks.
In a statement today, Nkweta-Salami said, "I am shocked and deeply disturbed by the recurrence of human rights abuses similar to those witnessed in Darfur last year — including rape, targeted attacks, sexual violence, and mass killings — in Al-Jazira State. These are horrific crimes," she added. "Women, children, and the most vulnerable bear the brunt of a conflict that has already claimed so many lives."
The UN official called for the protection of civilians, saying, "Attacking civilians, civilian targets, and public infrastructure is prohibited under international humanitarian law. This must stop immediately, and civilians must be protected wherever they are."
On Saturday, the pro-democracy Wad Madani Resistance Committees reported that Sareehah village in northern Al-Jazira was the hardest hit, with the RSF attack leaving at least 124 dead and injuring 100 others.
The Sudanese Doctors’ Union reported, "There is no possibility of evacuating the injured for treatment."
Recently, the RSF has intensified attacks on civilians in the agricultural region of Al-Jazira, south of Khartoum, following the defection of a militia commander who joined the army.
Due to near-total communication blackouts, it is currently impossible to verify actual casualty numbers.
The UN said, "The exact number of civilian casualties from these attacks has yet to be determined. Thousands of families have fled their homes to various locations within Al-Jazira State, while others have sought refuge in Gedaref and Kassala states. Humanitarian partners are gathering more information on the situation and mobilizing to assist the hundreds of people displaced by the escalation of hostilities."
US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello stated on Platform X, "We are monitoring the latest horrific RSF attacks on civilians in Al-Jazira. The killings and sexual violence are condemnable," adding that neither the RSF nor the army has managed to protect civilians.
