U.S., UK, Norway denounce escalating violence in Sudan’s Darfur region

The US, UK and Norway have again spoken against the spate of violence and human rights violations in Sudan. The three countries highlighted the bloodshed in the Darfur region which has claimed several lives. They called for the fighting to end while also appealling to both sides to de-escalate…

The governments of the United States, United Kingdom and Norway have condemned the rising level of violence and human rights abuses in Sudan, especially in the Darfur region.

The three countries highlighted attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force drawn largely from Arab groups and allied Arab militias known as Janjaweed, in Darfur.

In a statement, the countries noted that The attacks “have included – according to credible reports – mass killings including ethnic targeting of non-Arab and other communities, killings of traditional leaders, unjust detentions, and obstruction of humanitarian aid.”

While also raising concern about reports of civilians being targeted in Jebel Aulia, on the White Nile River, the three donour countries called the Troika, demanded an end to the fighting and appealed to both sides to de-escalate.

“Both sides need to deescalate and engage in meaningful discussions that lead to a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access,” they said.

Sudan plunged into a civil war on April 15 after weeks of rising tension between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces over a move to integrate forces as part of a transition from military rule to civilian democracy.

Hundreds have been killed and some 1.2 million have been displaced.

UN agencies and partners have repeatedly warned of the growing humanitarian crisis while highlighting the need for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law.