Sudan: UN Rights Chief Condemns Extrajudicial Killings in Khartoum

The fight for Sudan's capital, Khartoum, has led to summary executions of civilians. This follows its recent recapture by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). UN human rights chief Volker Türk shared this information on Thursday.

He cited credible reports of extrajudicial killings in several areas of the capital. The victims were suspected of collaborating with rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters. Mr. Türk urged SAF commanders to stop these arbitrary killings immediately. He pointed out that reports link the killings to SAF soldiers and affiliated militias.

The High Commissioner's comments came after reviewing "multiple horrific videos." These videos have circulated on social media since March 26. They show armed men executing civilians in southern and eastern Khartoum. Some perpetrators claimed they were punishing RSF supporters, which appalled Mr. Türk.

One report from Janoub Al Hezam indicated at least 20 civilians were killed, including one woman. These actions are serious violations of international law, according to Mr. Türk. He emphasized that both individual perpetrators and their commanders must be held accountable.

Sudan's crisis began after the transition to civilian rule collapsed in 2019. This followed the overthrow of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir. Mr. Türk visited Sudan as High Commissioner in November 2022 and focused on protecting its people amid heavy fighting.

In May 2024, he spoke with rival generals Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

At the current Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Mr. Türk warned that over 600,000 people face starvation in Sudan due to nearly two years of fighting. He stated that famine has taken hold in five areas, including Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur.

The UN World Food Programme had to suspend lifesaving operations there due to intense fighting. Five more areas could face famine soon, with an additional 17 at risk, he noted on February 27.

His staff have heard harrowing testimonies about deaths from starvation in Khartoum and Omdurman.

On Wednesday, the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) reported that violence forced 250,000 people from their homes near Al Malha, north of El Fasher in North Darfur state. Many are now scattered across 15 villages without basic necessities.

Last week, the UN migration agency reported that clashes displaced another 75,000 people. OCHA described this as a significant escalation in displacement amid a dire humanitarian situation.

In eastern Sudan, humanitarian partners are responding to a hepatitis outbreak among displaced communities at Gharb Al Matar site in Kassala state. Between March 27 and March 31, over 60 new suspected cases were reported there—bringing the total to 236 cases within a month.