Sudan Army Condemns Violence in El Gezira
The Sudanese army has strongly condemned recent ethnically-targeted civilian killings in El Gezira, describing the incidents as “individual violations.”
Rights groups have accused the army and its allies of involvement in the attacks, which reportedly targeted residents from western Sudan accused of collaborating with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Accusations of Ethnic Targeting
Human rights groups, including Emergency Lawyers, reported that 13 people were killed in Kambo Tayba, a farming settlement, following the army’s advance through the area. 
These attacks allegedly stemmed from hate speech linking the residents to the RSF. Other incidents of civilians being rounded up, tortured, or executed have also been reported, though Reuters could not independently verify these claims.
In a statement on Tuesday, the army emphasized its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, declaring, “The Armed Forces condemn the individual violations … and affirm their keenness to hold accountable anyone involved in any violations.”
Historical Violence in El Gezira
El Gezira has been a flashpoint in the ongoing civil war between the army and the RSF. Over the past year, RSF fighters conducted a campaign of looting and violence in the region, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.
Some reports suggest that young men from marginalised farming settlements, known as kanabi, participated in the RSF raids, intensifying ethnic tensions.
Graphic Incidents Highlight Civilian Suffering
Graphic videos circulating on social media, though unverified by Reuters, depict civilians being subjected to brutal violence.
In one video, a man is surrounded by soldiers, accused of being part of the RSF, and then fatally shot. In another, a young man is pushed off a bridge, reportedly by members of an Islamist militia allied with the army.
These harrowing scenes underscore the devastating toll the conflict has taken on civilians. The Sudanese Doctors Union described them as “the biggest losers in this war,” stating that many are unable to flee due to dire circumstances.
A Call for Accountability
The Sudanese army’s recapture of Wad Madani, the state capital, marks a potential turning point in the civil war. However, the rising reports of violence against civilians highlight the need for accountability and reconciliation to prevent further suffering.
As the conflict continues, questions remain about the long-term impact of ethnic tensions on Sudan’s stability. Can the army’s promise of accountability rebuild trust and pave the way for peace?
Read More:
