The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) has strongly condemned recent massacres in the cities of Al-Kanabi and Wad Madani in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah State. The Commission expressed “deep distress” over the violence, calling it a “grave violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the fundamental principles of human dignity.”
Reports indicate that individuals wearing Sudanese army uniforms carried out the attacks. “Widely circulated video footage shows individuals in such uniforms arresting unarmed civilians and subsequently carrying out summary executions using firearms,” the Commission stated.
The Commission also received reports that military forces executed several civilians in Al-Kanabi, accusing them of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Commission expressed concern that these “retaliatory actions targeted innocent individuals” and “may not be isolated incidents, but may form part of a systematic pattern of violations.” The Commission noted its “deep dismay at the loss of life and the suffering endured by the residents of Al-Jazirah State.”
The Commission’s Country Rapporteur for Sudan has issued an urgent appeal to the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council. The appeal calls 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 urged Sudanese authorities to uphold their international human rights obligations and “take immediate and effective measures to protect civilians and end the unjustified violence.” It called 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.” The Commission also urged the facilitation of “unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to provide urgent assistance to victims and those displaced by these events.”
The Commission stated its commitment to “monitor the situation in Sudan closely and to work with all parties to ensure respect for human rights in the country.” It reaffirmed its “steadfast support for the victims of these violations and their families” and called on the African Union and the international community to “intensify efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan.”
The press release was issued in Banjul, Gambia, on 14 January 2025.
