The war, initiated by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia against the Sudanese state, erupted in April 2023 amid power struggles following the 2019 revolution that ousted the previous regime of Omar al-Bashir. The conflict stems from disagreements over how to integrate the RSF into the Sudanese army, escalating tensions significantly. Fighting began in the capital Khartoum but quickly spread to other regions including Darfur, parts of Kordofan, the White Nile state, and recently, Sennar state.
The ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the rebel RSF has caused widespread suffering and extensive destruction. According to the latest United Nations report as of December 21, 2023, casualties exceeded 15,000 deaths, with over two million refugees and more than ten million internally displaced persons, marking the largest internal displacement crisis globally. Consequently, Sudan has become the world's largest source of refugees.
The United Nations World Food Programme has warned of severe funding shortages affecting international humanitarian response in Sudan, despite humanitarian organizations warning of famine conditions. The UN appeal has only been met by 5%, leaving more than 14 million children in need of humanitarian assistance—half of Sudan's children.
International Organizations Document Evidence of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Committed by the Rapid Support Forces
Amnesty International and other organizations have documented evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the rebel RSF militia in Sudan. These include unlawful killings of civilians, destruction of museums, hospitals, civilian infrastructure, and research facilities, as well as systematic looting of civilian properties and state resources.
The Sudanese crisis has manifested numerous violations of international humanitarian law, such as indiscriminate killing of civilians, sometimes based on identity, and blocking their movement to safe areas. For instance, the city of Genaina witnessed brutal violence and excessive force against civilians, resulting in hundreds killed and thousands injured, with hospitals and infrastructure destroyed. Thousands fled to neighboring Chad. Reports indicate that the atrocities in Genaina are unprecedented globally.
War Crimes
Amnesty International and other organizations have documented evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law in the city of Genaina and surrounding villages and towns in the state. All these practices have been attributed to groups affiliated with the "Rapid Support Forces".
Among the violations of international humanitarian law is the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war by the rebel RSF militia. Such practices have not been attributed to the Sudanese army. In a previous report by UN envoy Volker Turk before his resignation and departure from Sudan, it was mentioned that since the conflict began in April 2023, his office documented over 60 incidents of sexual violence linked to the conflict, affecting at least 120 victims across the country, mostly women and girls. It's lamentable that these figures likely do not fully reflect the extent of reality. UN reports indicate that individuals in RSF uniforms and armed fighters associated with them are responsible for these documented incidents.
Involving Children in Conflict by RSF: A Blatant Violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
One striking aspect of this conflict is the involvement of children in armed conflict by the RSF militia. This issue constitutes a blatant violation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, which Sudan is bound by. Former UN envoy Turk expressed shock at increasing calls to arm children, noting recent reports received by his office of hundreds of children being recruited as fighters by RSF in Darfur. He emphasized that these practices constitute a clear violation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Another violation of international humanitarian law in this war is the presence of mercenaries and their supporters from neighboring countries and beyond the continent, backing the rebel RSF. Hundreds have been documented fighting alongside them, mostly from neighboring countries, driven by the spoils acquired from fleeing civilians' properties, sometimes even targeting state institutions like banks. Unable to provide fixed salaries or post-service entitlements comparable to regular forces, they are motivated by different incentives.
In the first month of the war, the Sudanese army released videos through its affiliated media platforms showing a "movement leader" from a neighboring country fighting alongside RSF in Khartoum. Former head of the UNAMIS mission, Volker Peretz, affirmed that the involvement of mercenaries from three neighboring countries supporting Sudan's RSF in the ongoing conflict is significant. Eyewitnesses in Khartoum reported hearing RSF fighters speaking French, indicating they are foreigners.
International Neglect
In the context of the ongoing war in Sudan, there has been significant regional and international attention, but little indication of efforts to halt it due to insufficient pressure exerted. The international community has been preoccupied with other issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war. Humanitarian organizations report receiving only 15% of the necessary funds for their operations, highlighting a stark contrast if Geneva commitments were fully honored, which would provide these organizations with half of their requested funds.
In a report by Alexander Kiørum from the Danish Refugee Council, funding levels for Sudan are distressingly low compared to situations like Ukraine, where after two months of war, 68% of required funds were available to address the crisis. The neglect of Sudan's crisis and the slow progress in resolving it raise questions about whether the international community has turned its back on Sudan's war.
The International Community Turned Its Back on Sudan's Crisis and Failed to Apply Adequate Pressure to Stop Serious Violations
The Sudanese society continues to suffer the consequences of a war now entering its second year, marked by indiscriminate killings, hunger, displacement, refugee crises, and widespread loss of property. The war in Sudan is among the most intense and brutal conflicts witnessed in Africa, with the international community holding the keys to halting it through its mechanisms, yet neglect has prevailed.
Teighe Shagota, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, confirmed that the Sudanese people have endured neglect and disregard throughout a full year, bearing the brunt of fierce clashes between the conflicting parties.
Diplomatic efforts have thus far failed to curb violations, provide protection, or hold war criminals accountable. Consequently, it can be said that the international community turned its back on Sudan's crisis by failing to exert sufficient pressure to stop the severe violations against civilians.
The war in Sudan could potentially open a new front against Europe and the West in favor of Russia, through renewed waves of migration, which is a cause for concern for the European Union. Therefore, resolving the Sudan crisis through all possible means is imperative, including urgent and intensive diplomatic engagement at the highest levels, directly or in collaboration with influential neighboring countries. Essential steps must also be taken to immediately cease hostilities and resolve underlying disputes that led to the outbreak of war.
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