Press Release
on the Human Rights Situation in the Republic of Sudan
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) expresses its deep distress and strongly condemns the massacres that have occurred in recent days in the cities of Al-Kanabi and Wad Madani in the Al-Jazirah State, Republic of Sudan. These heinous acts of violence constitute a grave violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the fundamental principles of human dignity.
Reports indicate a series of bloody attacks carried out by individuals wearing military uniforms allegedly belonging to the Sudanese army. Widely circulated video footage shows individuals in such uniforms arresting unarmed civilians and subsequently carrying out summary executions using firearms.
The reports also indicate that members of the military forces executed several civilians in the city of Al-Kanabi, accusing them of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These retaliatory actions targeted innocent individuals, raising serious concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the region. The Commission expresses concern that these practices may not be isolated incidents, but may form part of a systematic pattern of violations.
The Commission expresses its deep dismay at the loss of life and the suffering endured by the residents of Al-Jazirah State and calls on the Sudanese authorities to uphold their international human rights obligations and take immediate and effective measures to protect civilians and end the unjustified violence.
In line with its mandate, the Commission has issued, through its Country Rapporteur for Sudan, an urgent appeal to the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council calling for immediate measures, including providing an accurate clarification of the aforementioned allegations, conducting prompt, impartial, and effective investigations to address the situation while holding perpetrators accountable, and taking urgent steps to ensure the safety of civilians and protect them from all forms of violence.
The Commission also calls for strict adherence to the text and spirit of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, international human rights law standards, international humanitarian law, and other relevant international instruments to which the Republic of Sudan is a party. Furthermore, the Commission urges the facilitation of unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to provide urgent assistance to victims and those displaced by these events.
The Commission remains determined to monitor the situation in Sudan closely and to work with all parties to ensure respect for human rights in the country. It reaffirms its steadfast support for the victims of these violations and their families and calls on the African Union and the international community to intensify efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan.
End
Done in Banjul, the Gambia, on 14 January 2025
Honorable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem
Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Republic of Sudan
