The UN Security Council, Mark Simonoff, the Legal Adviser from New York, delivered a stark report on the alarming situation in Sudan. Simonoff expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence reminiscent of events two decades ago in Darfur.
Former President Bashir’s tactics, condemned by the international community in the early 2000s, seem to be resurfacing, with some actors going unpunished and now victimising communities that survived genocide.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are employing familiar violent methods, including attacks on civilians along ethnic lines, sexual violence, and the burning and looting of villages.
The dire situation in Sudan is marked by airstrikes, shelling, and hindrances to humanitarian aid, resulting in civilian casualties, displacement crises, and widespread destruction.
Ethnically targeted attacks in Darfur, particularly against the Masalit, echo the genocide of over 20 years ago.
Reports depict RSF and allied militias targeting non-Arab groups, with devastating consequences in El Geneina and Ardamata. Thousands of Masalit civilians have lost their lives, and survivors face a daunting humanitarian crisis.
Simonoff highlighted deliberate, systematic sexual violence against women and girls, calling for immediate access to medical and psychosocial services for survivors.
In December, Secretary Blinken declared the RSF and allied militias responsible for crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes. The International Criminal Court’s involvement is crucial, and the United States has designated Ahmad Harun under the War Crimes Rewards Programme, offering up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest, transfer, or conviction.
Simonoff urged all countries to cooperate with the ICC, emphasising the need for Sudanese authorities to permit ICC teams to travel within the country and respond to requests for evidence. The international community is called upon to unite urgently to end impunity, address the humanitarian crisis, and support the Sudanese people in their pursuit of a peaceful future.
