Sudan (TDI): On Sunday, a tragic incident occurred in Sudan Al-Jazira state, south of Khartoum, resulting in the loss of at least 13 lives due to gunfire attributed to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to a medical source.
“A tragic incident occurred in the town of al-Hilaliya in eastern al-Jazira state, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) north of the state capital Wad Madani.
Furthermore, In Wad Madani it has been reported that thirteen individuals lost their lives due to the actions of the Rapid Support Forces opening fire on civilians,” the source stated, requesting to remain anonymous.
The situation in Sudan’s al-Jazira state has evolved into a significant area of contention, particularly in light of the recent defection of RSF commander Abu Aqla Kaykal.
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Kaykal has recently aligned himself with the Sudanese army, accompanied by what the military has characterized as “a significant number” of his troops, marking the first notable defection from the RSF at a high rank.
The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has reported that the RSF initiated significant attacks in the eastern regions of al-Jazira state during the period from October 20 to 25.
Nkweta-Salami reported that the paramilitaries are accused of engaging in mass killings, sexual assaults, significant looting of markets and homes, as well as widespread farm burnings.
The UN official characterized these serious violations as reflecting those recorded in Darfur last year, where the RSF faced allegations of human rights abuses including “rape, targeted attacks, sexual violence, and mass killings.”
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The situation in Sudan escalated in mid-April 2023, involving the regular army under the leadership of the nation’s de facto leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
In addition, it also included the RSF, which is led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
The ongoing situation has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with a tragic loss of life numbering in the tens of thousands and over 11 million individuals displaced from their homes.
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