The European Union is “appalled” by reports of another “senseless” massacre of more than 100 defenceless villagers by the ‘Rapid Support Forces’ (a Sudanese paramilitary force under the command of the National Intelligence and Security Service, established in mid-2013) in Wad al-Noura, in the state of Al-Jazira, Sudan.
Once again, the EU is calling for an “immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered access for humanitarians”, according to a statement by EU High Representative Josep Borrell. Respect for international law and the protection of civilians must be maintained, warns the EU (see EUROPE 13409/23).
The EU is investing heavily in monitoring and documenting human rights violations committed by the belligerents since the start of the conflict, which has been going on for over a year, to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are held fully accountable.
In just over a year, the war between the two rival generals battling for power in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with some estimates putting the death toll as high as 150,000, according to the US envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)