Sudan

A prominent human rights group is calling for the deployment of peacekeepers in Sudan, following a recent wave of attacks on civilians in Al Jazirah state widely blamed on the Rapid Support Forces, one of the warring sides in the country’s ongoing conflict.

An African Union (AU) official on Tuesday called for investigations into alleged human rights violations in Sudan and the prosecution of those responsible, urging an end to the escalating violence.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has strongly condemned escalating attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, as new reports reveal over 135,000 civilians were displaced in just 10 days.  

The head of the International Organization for Migration said on Tuesday that over 14 million people had fled their homes in Sudan, either inside the country or over its borders, with some 200,000 people fleeing since last month.

The scale of sexual violence being commited in Sudan is "staggering", said the chair of a UN fact finding mission in the war-torn country on Tuesday. The investigation found evidence of gang rapes, violence and sexual slavery being used as a means of "terrorising and punishing civilians". 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “decisive action” on Monday to end the 18-month-long civil war in Sudan, where millions face starvation and have been displaced from their homes. 

Sudan dismissed Western accusations on Wednesday that it hinders aid access, saying travel permits for humanitarian workers are necessary to ensure their safety in the conflict-ridden country. The statement comes after Sudanese authorities expelled a UN delegation led by Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Toby Harward and barred them from visiting South and East Darfur. The delegation had previously visited West Darfur.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is considering reinstating Sudan’s membership to help resolve the ongoing conflict, according to the bloc’s envoy to Sudan, Lawrence Korbandy.

The African Union (AU) will reopen its liaison office in Port Sudan, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) said on Monday, as part of efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

Sudan on Thursday renewed its accusations against the United Arab Emirates of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing conflict, urging the UN Security Council to take action against what it called “continuous aggressive activities.”