Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Thursday called on Sudan’s junta leaders (SAF) to take immediate action to halt the killing of civilians in Khartoum and to hold those responsible for the violations accountable.
In a statement, Turk expressed his deep concern over credible reports indicating numerous cases of extrajudicial executions of civilians in various parts of Khartoum, allegedly for suspected collaboration with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Turk urged Sudanese junta (SAF) leaders to take swift measures to end these killings, describing the denial of the right to life as a grave violation.
Extrajudicial killings, Turk emphasized, are serious violations of human rights, and he called for accountability not only for the individuals directly involved but also for those in leadership positions who bear responsibility.
In late March, General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and its allies regained control of Khartoum’s neighborhoods and the Jabal Awliah area, which had been under RSF control since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023.
Volker Turk also noted that the UN Human Rights Commission had reviewed disturbing video footage posted on social media since March 16, appearing to show executions of civilians in public areas in southern and eastern Khartoum.
The videos depict armed men, some in SAF uniforms and others in civilian clothes, carrying out executions in cold blood.
The perpetrators reportedly stated that they were punishing supporters of the RSF. Turk clarified that the killings have been attributed to the SAF, security forces, and militias linked to the military.
One of the more significant allegations involves the killing of at least 20 civilians, including one woman, in southern Khartoum by the SAF and militias. Videos circulating on social media also show the SAF and its allies arresting dozens of civilians in areas that had been RSF strongholds.
Turk called for an independent investigation into these civilian deaths, urging adherence to international standards to ensure accountability and to guarantee the victims’ right to truth and justice.
He also highlighted a troubling rise in online hate speech and calls for violence, with lists of individuals accused of collaborating with the RSF circulating on the internet. This development comes amid increased ethnic polarization and retaliatory violence, particularly in regions such as southern Omdurman, where nearly 100 civilians were killed and widespread displacement occurred.
