A senior United Nations official has issued a warning about the escalating violence against civilians in Sudan, stating that it is “verging on pure evil.” The country is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with ethnic violence intensifying in the western region of Darfur.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on April 15. Tensions had been rising between the two sides due to a plan to integrate forces as part of a transition from military rule to civilian democracy.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the top U.N. aid official in Sudan, expressed her concern over the reports of sexual- and gender-based violence, forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and grave violations of human and children’s rights. She described the situation as “verging on pure evil” and emphasized the urgent need for the protection of civilians.
According to Nkweta-Salami, over half of Sudan’s population, which amounts to approximately 25 million people, require humanitarian assistance and protection. Moreover, more than six million individuals have been displaced from their homes, either within Sudan or in neighboring countries.
Nkweta-Salami also revealed disturbing reports of escalating violence and targeted attacks against civilians, particularly on an ethnic basis, in Darfur. As the RSF seized control of the main army base in the state capital, El Geneina, people fleeing to Chad reported a surge in ethnically driven killings.
The situation in Sudan is dire, and urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the vulnerable civilian population. The United Nations and international community must come together to provide the necessary aid and support to alleviate the suffering in Sudan.
