By Ebi Kesiena
A senior United Nations official has sounded the alarm, describing the violence against civilians in Sudan as reaching a level that is “verging on pure evil.”
The humanitarian crisis in the country is worsening, particularly as ethnic violence intensifies in the western region of Darfur.
Recall that the conflict erupted on April 15th between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), following weeks of escalating tension over a plan to integrate forces as part of the transition from military rule to civilian democracy.
Addressing journalist on Saturday, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the top U.N. aid official in Sudan, said “We continue to receive disturbing reports of sexual- and gender-based violence, forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and severe violations of human and children’s rights. What is happening is verging on pure evil, and the protection of civilians remains a paramount concern.”
Nkweta-Salami highlighted that over 25 million people, more than half of the population, urgently require humanitarian assistance and protection. Additionally, over six million individuals have been displaced, either within Sudan or in neighboring countries.
Recent reports indicate a troubling increase in violence and attacks against civilians, potentially on ethnic grounds in Darfur. Those fleeing to Chad have reported a surge in ethnically motivated killings in Sudan’s West Darfur, coinciding with the RSF taking control of the main army base in the state capital, El Geneina.
