Credited from: REUTERS
More than 200 civilians have been killed in a series of brutal attacks by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the past three days in the White Nile state, as the country grapples with ongoing political and military turmoil. Activists from the Emergency Lawyers, a group monitoring the rights violations in the region, reported the casualties after RSF forces conducted assaults in villages around the town of al-Gitaina. Eyewitness accounts detailed **random gunfire and field executions**, resulting in significant civilian deaths and injuries, especially among those attempting to flee across the Nile River, where many drowned amid the chaos, dubbed a "massacre" by the group.
The attacks are part of a larger conflict that erupted in April 2023 when the RSF fell out with the Sudanese military following a coup that initially placed both parties in power. The conflict has escalated, leading to the international community labeling it as the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with over 12 million people displaced and accusations of genocide against the RSF according to Reuters.
Reports from Al Jazeera indicate that the RSF's actions included **enforced disappearances and looting**, causing profound civil unrest. Shockingly, the Sudanese foreign ministry claimed that the toll had risen to 433 victims, including infants. These developments coincide with Sudan's army regaining control of many territories, including parts of Khartoum.
As military engagements continue, plans for a rival government led by the RSF are underway, with foundational discussions expected to take place soon in Nairobi. This "Government of Peace and Unity" aims to govern regions where the RSF holds influence, a move that could further fracture the conflict in Sudan, as noted by BBC.
Despite military gains reported by the government, which includes taking control of key neighborhoods in Khartoum, activists fear the burgeoning internal divisions remain perilous. The RSF has begun amassing support through alleged **brutal tactics**, leading to mixed reactions from civilians who are uncertain whether to regard the army as liberators or oppressors.
The ongoing situation has led many communities to experience profound hardships, worsening the humanitarian landscape. The United Nations has called for global accountability amidst these human rights violations, revealing a grim picture of the consequences civilians face as the **civil war** rages on. Amidst this turmoil, it remains crucial for the international community to address the deteriorating human rights situation escalating across Sudan and prevent further atrocities and displacement.
For more insights regarding the current state of affairs in Sudan, you can visit Al Jazeera and BBC.