Dozens killed as RSF raids villages in White Nile State as violence escalates in Sudan
The Al Jazirah Observatory reported that 30 people were shot dead in the Na'ima and al-Jamalab areas, while 15 others drowned in the White Nile while trying to flee by boat.
Dozens of civilians have been killed in a series of brutal attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages in Sudan's White Nile state, south of the capital Khartoum.
The Al Jazirah Human Rights Observatory reported the killings on Wednesday, describing the raids as barbaric.
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The RSF, which has been retreating from Gezira state after a large-scale military offensive by the Sudanese army, has turned its attention to villages in northern White Nile state, where there is little to no military presence.
"Residents of the Na'ima administrative unit and dozens of villages in northern White Nile state were subjected to waves of barbaric raids by the RSF," the observatory said in a statement received by Sudan Tribune.
According to the rights group, the RSF attacked multiple villages, including Na'ima, al-Jamalab, Wad Shal'ai, Wad al-Haj, al-Hubayka, Hallat al-Tahir, al-Daradir, Abu 'Ajaj, Shabunat, Kambu Muhammad, al-Haj Musa, and al-Damu.
The attacks, carried out using military vehicles, resulted in mass killings, widespread looting, forced displacement, and enforced disappearances.
Civilians were also taken hostage, with the RSF demanding ransom for their release.
30 people shot dead
The Al Jazirah Observatory reported that 30 people were shot dead in the Na'ima and al-Jamalab areas, while 15 others drowned in the White Nile while trying to flee by boat.
The rights group condemned the RSF's actions, labelling them as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide.
It called on the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to open safe corridors for civilians and provide urgent aid.
The latest attack is part of a broader escalation of violence in Sudan, where conflict has raged for nearly two years.
Save the Children recently warned that the final months of 2024 saw the highest levels of civilian killings since the war began.
Attacks increasing
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), over 700 violent incidents targeting civilians were recorded between October and December 2024, with attacks increasing month by month.
In December alone, there were 199 incidents, following 217 in November 2024 and 288 in October.
The brutality has carried over into 2025, with ACLED documenting 208 violent events in January, a 78 per cent increase from the same period last year.
Among the victims were a high school student killed on January 5 and a father shot dead in front of his children on January 8, 2025.
As Sudan descends further into chaos, humanitarian groups continue to warn of the devastating impact on civilians, particularly children.
Rights organisations are urging international intervention to halt the violence and protect those trapped in the conflict.
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