The war in Sudan has plumbed new depths with one particular RSF attack, and Amnesty has accused the RSF of war crimes. In a separate development the Sudan Rapid Support Force (RSF) has claimed that they have taken control of the Heglig oilfield in South Kordofan.
Attack on a kindergarten
It was reported on 6 December that, according to a Sudanese doctors’ group, 33 children were among a total of at least 50 people killed, following a Sudan Rapid Support Force drone strike that hit a nursery in south-central Sudan on Thursday.
It was further noted by the doctors’ group that once paramedics arrived at the scene in the town of Kalogi in South Kordofan state, about 400 km south west of the capital Khartoum, that they too were targeted in what was described as “a second unexpected attack” by the RSF paramilitary group.
Communication blackouts in the area are making it difficult to confirm casualties, but it was said that the death toll was expected to rise.
UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett commented: “Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children’s rights. Children should never pay the price of conflict.” He continued by stating that UNICEF were urging all parties “to stop these attacks immediately and allow safe, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to reach those in desperate need.”
Amnesty accuses RSF of war crimes in assault on refugee camp
It has also been reported that the regular Sudanese army had captured the strategic town of Mabutsa on 2 December. Witnesses and military sources were said to have told the Sudan Tribune that Mabutsa fell to the Sudanese army after clashes with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLMN), who are allies of the RSF. The SPLMN had occupied the town for the last 14 years.
Amnesty International accused the RSF of war crimes, during its attack earlier this year on the displacement camp in the Derfu region of Sudan. RSF fighters were said to have rampaged through the Zamzam camp in April, during its siege of the city of El Fasher, which is the provincial capital of the North Derfu region. El Fasher fell to the RSF in October in an operation marked by numerous attacks on civilians.
RSF claims to have taken Heglig Oilfield
Meanwhile in a separate development, as fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army has moved to South Kordofan region, so the RSF have now claimed that they have taken control of the Heglig oil field there. The oilfield is strategically important for Sudan and is home to the most important processing plant for the neighbouring nation of South Sudan. It is very important to South Sudan as it can only export oil through its neighbour, Sudan, as it has no other pipelines.
A North East based Sudanese voice
I asked North East based Sudanese Mohamed Nasreldin for his thoughts on the latest violence in Sudan:
“As a Sudanese, I am deeply horrified by the continued escalation of violence in our country. The killing of innocent children in a kindergarten is an unspeakable tragedy and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. These attacks on civilians, paramedics, and displacement camps show a complete disregard for human life and dignity.
“I strongly condemn these acts and urge all parties to stop targeting civilians and commit to an immediate ceasefire. Furthermore, I call on the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, and regional actors, as well as Britain and its partners, to take urgent and decisive action. This includes exerting diplomatic pressure, supporting humanitarian access, and ensuring accountability for war crimes. Sudanese people deserve peace, not endless cycles of violence, and Britain can play a vital role in advocating for justice and stability.”
ICC sentences Sudanese militia leader to 20 years in prison for Darfur atrocities
Amidst all the present atrocities committed by the RSF there has come a warning that the leaders might do well to heed. It was reported on 9 December that International Criminal Court (ICC) judges had sentenced a leader of the Sudanese Janjaweed militia to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the devastating war in Darfur more than twenty years ago.
At a hearing in The Hague in November, prosecutors sought a life sentence for Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman who had been convicted in October of 27 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes including bludgeoning two prisoners to death with an axe and ordering mass executions between 2003-2004.
Prosecutor Julian Nicholls is said to have told judges at the sentencing hearing in November: “He committed these crimes knowingly, wilfully, and with, the evidence shows, enthusiasm and vigour”.
Abd-Al-Rahman, 76, showed no reaction as he stood and listened, while Presiding Judge Joanna Korner passed the sentence. The court imposed the overarching joint sentence of 20 years, after he had been handed sentences ranging from eight years to 20 years for each of the counts for which he was convicted.
Justice waits in the shadows
The ICC verdict is a welcome reminder to us all that justice can catch up with those who commit appalling atrocities and that as Martin Luther King Jr said the universe bends towards justice.
However, as King also noted, the universe can bend very slowly towards justice and in the meantime in Sudan far too many innocent people are being killed, including children.
It is long past time that the rest of the world woke up fully to what is happening and helped to change the arc of life in Sudan further towards justice and away from the pain and suffering so many are having to endure at the moment.
Justice waits in the shadows in Sudan. It is time it was helped into the sunlight.
What can you do?
You can sign a petition asking the UK government to stop selling arms to the UAE here.
To find other ways you can help the people of Sudan please see:
Red Cross Sudan appeal here.
United Nations Refugee Agency for Sudan appeal here.
