Regional Implications of Sudanese War Concern for Christian Human Rights Group

The fighting erupted as the forces were due to merge in line with an internationally supported framework agreement on a transition to democracy.

According to the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate, 291 civilians had lost their lives, including five humanitarian aid workers, and 1,699 were wounded as of April 24.

CSW has reported that fighting continues in residential areas, including aerial bombardment, amid reports of home invasions by armed men seeking to use rooftops as vantage points. 

Severe violations targeting civilians have been reported in cities in Central, North, South and West Darfur, Khartoum, Northern State, and North Kordofan State. 

There have also been consistent reports of medical facilities being targeted by both warring parties, of attacks on medical personnel, and of shortages of food, water and essential medications.

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CSW’s CEO Scot Bower has appealed to Sudan’s neighboring countries to support those fleeing from violent scenes in their country.

“While cognisant of security concerns, we nonetheless appeal to Sudan’s neighbors to respond to those in search of sanctuary in accordance with the stipulations of the African Refugee Convention and in the spirit of Pan-Africanism, and to seek additional assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Red Crescent or Red Cross if and when this is needed,” Mr. Bower says.

CSW further calls on the international community to maintain close scrutiny on the situation of Sudanese citizens even as various countries work towards evacuating their citizens from the embattled country.

Further, the Christian human rights foundation has called on the international community to ensure that perpetrators of violations targeting civilians in Sudan are held to account.

Mr. Bower suggests that the international community convenes a special HRC session “as a matter of urgency”, and mandates an investigative and accountability mechanism for Sudan. 

“The warring parties must be advised in no uncertain terms of their responsibility to protect all non-combatants, including refugees, and that identified perpetrators will be held accountable for their violations,” the CSW official says.

He adds, “We also call for the formulation of a comprehensive arms embargo to prevent the prolongation and possible regionalisation of this conflict.”

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.