AUC's Moussa Faki condemns massacre of at least 150 civilians in Sudan

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has condemned the massacre that occurred in Wad al-Noura, Gezira state, Sudan, on June 5, 2024.

The brutal attack resulted in the indiscriminate killing of at least 150 civilians, including 35 children, highlighting the horrific toll the ongoing conflict is exacting on innocent lives.

Moussa expressed his horror upon learning of the massacre, describing the scenes of devastation and the over one hundred bodies being prepared for burial as a "grim reminder that in this senseless war, women and children bear the brunt of the wanton destruction perpetrated by the warring parties."

He added that women and children are disproportionately suffering in this conflict, which has created a humanitarian crisis.

Unicef had earlier stated that 35 children were killed in the attack linked to the Rapid Support Forces, with more than 20 others injured. The agency's executive director, Catherine Russell, described the scenes on the ground as devastating.

"This is yet another grim reminder of how the children of Sudan are paying the price for the brutal violence," Ms. Russell said in a statement.

Based on the developments, the chairperson reiterated the need for the warring parties to adhere to their legal obligations under international humanitarian law, stressing that "perpetrators of this atrocity and others like it must be held to account."

In his message, Moussa urged the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities, return to peace negotiations, and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to affected populations.

This latest atrocity in Wad al-Noura is part of a broader pattern of violence that has engulfed Sudan, with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) locked in a brutal struggle for power. Despite numerous international efforts to broker a ceasefire, including the Jeddah ceasefire process, the conflict has continued to escalate, resulting in widespread civilian casualties and displacement.

The massacre in Wad al-Noura has led to acute hunger and famine in several regions, threatening the lives of millions of civilians. Across the country, more than 15,000 people are estimated to have been killed since the conflict started in April 2023.

Moussa thus urged the international community to reinforce its commitment to ending the war, emphasising that "the devastating scenes of over one hundred bodies being prepared for burial must strengthen the resolve and commitment of the international community to put an end to this war once and for all."

Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in response, vowed to deliver a "harsh response" to the attack after it was accused of failing to respond to pleas for help.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack in a statement issued by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

"The Secretary-General urges all parties to refrain from any attacks that could harm civilians or damage civilian infrastructure. The Secretary-General expresses his deep concern regarding the immense suffering of the Sudanese population as a result of the continued hostilities," Stephane Dujarric stated.

"He stresses that it is high time for all parties to silence their guns across Sudan and commit to a path towards sustainable peace," he added.