The Sudanese Social Democratic Party has strongly condemned what it described as “grave crimes and human rights violations” allegedly carried out by joint forces comprising armed groups loyal to Minni Minawi and Jibril Ibrahim, alongside General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF), in Darfur’s Zarq area on Thursday.
In a statement, the party accused the forces of targeting civilians in acts of violence that included burning markets and homes, detaining women and children, destroying water wells, and looting property. The party labeled the actions as systematic and driven by “deep-seated hatred,” warning that they could constitute ethnic cleansing and pose a serious threat to the region’s social cohesion.
The Zarq area, a contested zone in Sudan’s western Darfur region, has been a flashpoint in the country’s ongoing conflict, which escalated in April when fighting broke out between General al-Burhan’s (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Armed groups aligned with both sides have been accused of exploiting the chaos to settle local disputes and commit atrocities.
The Sudanese Social Democratic Party called on regional and international bodies to condemn the violence and urged immediate measures to protect civilians. They demanded a “transparent, independent international investigation” to ensure accountability and justice for victims.
“The escalating attacks are deepening the suffering of the Sudanese population and risking further destabilization of an already fragile situation,” the statement said.
The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions, with the United Nations repeatedly warning of a humanitarian catastrophe. Reports of ethnic violence, particularly in Darfur, have drawn global attention, with rights groups alleging crimes against humanity.
Neither the SAF nor representatives of Minawi’s and Jibril’s groups have responded to the allegations.
The Sudanese Social Democratic Party stressed that immediate action is needed to prevent further atrocities, urging the international community to prioritize civilian protection as the conflict rages on.
