Numerous civilians have tragically lost their lives and thousands have been forced to flee their homes in Sudan’s Gezira state following a series of attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Reports from a union of doctors and a youth group indicate that the RSF carried out violent attacks on several villages and towns in Gezira state, resulting in the destruction of public and private properties and the deaths of many individuals. The attacks in the village of al-Sireha persisted for three days, with a devastating death toll of 50 people in just one day.
Additional reports suggest that the death toll from these attacks may be even higher, with estimates ranging from 50 to 124 people killed and up to 200 wounded. The situation in Gezira state has been described as a brutal war zone, with the RSF inflicting widespread suffering and destruction.
The conflict in Sudan, which escalated in April 2023, has already displaced over 10 million people and led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The Sudanese Armed Forces are currently engaged in a campaign to reclaim control of areas in and around the capital, Khartoum, from the RSF.
The international community has been urged to pay more attention to the dire situation in Sudan, which has been described as a “forgotten crisis” by UNICEF. The war has caused immense suffering, with over 14 million people forced from their homes and millions more facing acute hunger. The UNICEF and UNHCR are calling for unrestricted access to provide aid to those in need across the country.
The conflict in Sudan has been marked by heinous acts, including mass rape and ethnic cleansing, constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity. The people of Sudan continue to face unimaginable hardships as they strive to survive in the midst of this devastating conflict.