Today, 15 April 2024, marks a year since the eruption of the armed confrontations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. This year was full with sorrow sham we witnessed unprecedented devastation of the country’s infrastructure, including looting of public utilities and private properties including individual homes. The extensive loss along with massive population displacement shattered the lives of millions of civilians who barely survived. No doubt that the ongoing war between SAF and RSF will be remembered as one of the ugliest chapters in Sudan’s modern history.
The two parties are responsible for the commission of atrocious acts that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. SAF should be singled out for its daily use of aggressive aerial bombardments of civilian targets all across the country, especially in Darfur. It is widely believed that the RSF and its allied tribal militia groups have committed multiple acts of genocide in Darfur, especially in West Darfur State.
The humanitarian situation across Sudan is alarming and according to UNCIEF that 8.9 million children are facing food insecurity, while 4.9 are facing emergency food crisis. The two parties share the blame for obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in dire need and also for the looting of food warehouses and for harassing and intimidating local food providers (Emergency Rooms) and foreign humanitarian workers. We call on both SAF and RSF to respect their obligations under International humanitarian law and honor their commitment in the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed on 11 May 2023, particularly their undertakings to protect civilians and facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance by allowing immediate, unhindered access to the needy population in all parts of Sudan.
The African Organization for Rights and Development (AFORD) deplores the two parties to the conflict in Sudan on their dramatic failure to listen to the voice of reason and to end the ongoing senseless fighting in the country. AFORD also deplores the failure of the regional and international community to undertake robust action and end this tragic situation. The Sudanese people deserve better.