By : Lloyd Mahachi
The conflict in Sudan has taken a devastating turn, with a landmine explosion and paramilitary attacks claiming the lives of at least 42 civilians. The landmine explosion occurred in Sinnar State on Friday, killing 13 people from the Al-Suki area who were on a trip to search for stolen cars and equipment in the Jebel Moya area. Many others were injured in the blast, which happened when their pickup truck detonated the landmine. The victims were reportedly on a mission to recover their stolen property, which had been taken by armed groups operating in the area.
The Jebel Moya area has been a strategic location in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In October, the SAF recaptured the area, which enabled them to besiege RSF fighters in Sinnar and cut off their supply lines. However, the RSF has continued to launch attacks in the region, including two attacks in Gezira State over the past two days that killed 29 civilians. The attacks have been characterized by extreme brutality, with reports of civilians being killed, injured, and displaced.
According to local volunteer groups, the RSF militia attacked the village of Wad Hussein Al-Halaween in the Al-Housh area south of Gezira State on Thursday, killing five citizens, including two who were run over by a vehicle while they were tied up. The militia also bombarded the village before storming it, causing widespread destruction and panic among the civilian population. On Wednesday, armed RSF forces attacked several villages in the Al-Huda Administration of Al-Managil locality in Gezira, killing 24 civilians and injuring about 30 others. The attacks have been widely condemned by human rights groups and international organizations.
The RSF has not commented on these incidents, which are the latest in a devastating conflict that has gripped Sudan since mid-April 2023. The conflict has resulted in more than 28,700 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to latest estimates by international organizations. The conflict has also had a significant humanitarian impact, with many civilians caught in the crossfire and forced to flee their homes. The situation remains volatile, with both sides launching attacks and counter-attacks, and civilians paying the price for the ongoing violence.
The Sudanese government has been criticized for its handling of the conflict, and international organizations have called for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, the conflict continues to escalate, with both sides refusing to back down. The international community has expressed concern over the conflict in Sudan, and efforts are being made to broker a peaceful resolution. The African Union, the United Nations, and other regional organizations have been working to facilitate talks between the warring parties, but so far, a lasting solution has yet to be found.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire, with millions of people in need of assistance. The conflict has disrupted food supplies, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition. Many civilians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps with limited resources. The situation is particularly dire for women and children, who are often the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation. The international community has been called upon to provide urgent assistance to those affected by the conflict, including food, shelter, and medical care.
The conflict in Sudan is a devastating and complex crisis that requires a comprehensive and sustained response. The international community must work together to broker a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while also providing urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected. The situation demands immediate attention and action, and it is imperative that the world comes together to prevent further suffering and loss of life in Sudan.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi