UN Mission Reports Grievous Abuses in Sudan's Civil War

A U.N.-mandated mission reports severe abuses in Sudan's civil war that may amount to war crimes. Both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have tortured civilians and carried out arbitrary arrests. The mission urges prompt deployment of an independent peacekeeping force to safeguard civilians.

A U.N.-mandated mission has detailed severe abuses committed during Sudan's civil war, labeling them potential war crimes or crimes against humanity. An arms embargo and peacekeeping force have been recommended to protect civilians.

The 19-page report, from a UN Fact-Finding Mission, consists of 182 interviews with survivors, their families, and witnesses. It implicates both Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in civilian attacks, torture, and arbitrary arrests. Mission chair Mohamed Chande Othman stressed the urgency of deploying an independent force for civilian protection. This report is the mission's first since its inception by the UN Human Rights Council in October 2023.

Sudan's civilians are enduring escalating famine, displacement, and disease after 17 months of conflict. U.S. mediators, who recently facilitated talks in Switzerland, secured humanitarian aid guarantees despite the army's absence, hampering progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)