Kanabi Al-Jazira: Scenes of Pain and Testimony to Unforgivable Violations

11:41 PM January, 15 2025

Sudanese Online
محمد عبدالله ابراهيم-الخرطوم-السودان
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With hearts full of sorrow and grief, we recently witnessed heartbreaking images and videos widely shared by activists on social media platforms. These scenes depict armed groups affiliated with the Sudanese army committing heinous acts of torture and severe violations against unarmed Sudanese citizens in the (Kanabi) areas of Al-Jazira state. These acts reflect cruelty and a blatant disregard for human dignity under false pretenses of collaboration with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These citizens were ruthlessly targeted in scenes that represent a complete humanitarian tragedy, documented in audio and video, too distressing for any living conscience to bear or justify. Reports also indicate grave violations, including extrajudicial killings, brutal torture, and sexual assaults against women and children. These actions not only reflect a dangerous deviation in the trajectory of the Sudanese conflict but also mark a stain on humanity itself.

What we witnessed is not merely isolated violations but a brutal assault on humanity in its most atrocious forms, carried out with vile racism and regionalism solely because these innocent people belong to groups originally from the Darfur region. These crimes, representing deliberate and systematic targeting, are an affront to the dignity of Sudanese humanity, threatening the ethical and religious values that have long united the Sudanese people of all backgrounds. They constitute a blatant violation of all international laws and humanitarian norms that protect civilians, even in times of war and conflict.

What happened in Al-Jazira state sheds light on the dark side of the senseless war imposed on the Sudanese people. Even assuming for argument’s sake that these citizens collaborated with the RSF, this does not in any way justify the heinous practices they were subjected to, which violate all international laws and humanitarian norms. These incidents are alien to the values and principles of the Sudanese people and represent a dangerous development in the ongoing conflict, threatening social unity and undermining ethical and religious values. They sound an alarm that necessitates urgent and decisive action from local and international authorities to put an end to these tragedies under the principles of justice and international humanitarian law.

What exacerbates the sorrow is the shocking reaction of the Sudanese army leadership, which issued a weak and disgraceful statement disclaiming responsibility by claiming that these actions were “individual acts.” However, irrefutable evidence, including widespread video footage, proves the involvement of army officials in these crimes, documenting direct orders to kill prisoners and not spare them, with orders to “send them to the heavens.” How can a military institution disown such crimes and describe them as “individual acts” while claiming credit for “victories” achieved by the same groups؟ Everyone knows that all factions, militias, and Islamic battalions fighting alongside the Sudanese army operate under its command and responsibility. Their actions and statements are representative of the army, making it the first and last party accountable for them. This stark contradiction exposes the extent of complicity and the prevailing impunity.

We recognize that these practices are not merely individual acts or exceptions but are reflections of vengeful attitudes and deep-seated hatred among army leaders, their militias, and all factions fighting alongside them against certain segments of Sudanese society. These painful incidents reveal the magnitude of the senseless war imposed on the exhausted Sudanese people—a war driven by a mindset that disregards the sanctity of life and human dignity. It is clear that what is happening in Sudan goes beyond being a political conflict and has become a racial cleansing targeting specific Sudanese communities.

What deepens the wound is the silence of some individuals and groups fighting alongside the Sudanese army, who have long claimed to stand for the Sudanese people and their rights in what they deceitfully called the “war of dignity.” These individuals, who once made loud outcries against RSF violations and massacres, have fallen silent about this brutal massacre, with some even justifying it and attacking those who condemned it. To these deluded mercenaries and profiteers of this war, we say: humanity does not know bias, and a living conscience does not discriminate between victims, regardless of the parties involved, nor does it accept complicity with oppression under any pretext.

We condemn all parties that have committed violations against the Sudanese people, whether it be the army, the RSF, or militias allied with either side. This war is nothing but a humanitarian tragedy whose cost is borne by innocent people from all segments of Sudanese society. We affirm that full responsibility for these crimes lies with all warring parties. We call upon the regional and international community, especially the United Nations and the Security Council, to take urgent action and implement all necessary measures to protect the Sudanese people and ensure accountability for those responsible for these crimes before international justice.

The painful silence of the international community only adds to the suffering of the Sudanese people and prolongs their tragedy. There is no hope for a people left alone to face the machinery of war and destruction. Therefore, we demand that those occupying seats in these regional and international institutions intervene immediately to stop this chaos, these crimes, and violations—or step aside and allow those capable of fulfilling their moral and humanitarian duties to take action.

Mohammed Abdullah Ibrahim
January 15, 2025
[email protected]

Arabic Forum