International Organization: Sudan Atrocity Prevention Coalition Faces Urgent Test to Protect Civilians

Human Rights Watch has called on the new international coalition concerned with preventing atrocities and promoting justice in Sudan to move quickly to protect civilians and stop ongoing violations there.

The organization emphasized that its success will depend on its ability to turn political pledges into practical actions on the ground.

In a commentary by Africa researcher Mohamed Osman, the organization stated that the announcement by the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway on February 26 to form a coalition aimed at preventing atrocities and promoting justice in Sudan comes at a time when violations continue unabated, making the task before this coalition extremely urgent.

It explained that the announcement was issued by member states of the Core Group on Sudan in the Human Rights Council. It followed the Rapid Support Forces’ seizure of the city of El Fasher in North Darfur State, and after United Nations findings that the attacks launched by these forces bore hallmarks of genocidal violence.

The organization mentioned that it, along with other parties, had warned for 18 months of the risk of atrocities as the siege and shelling of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces continued, but international efforts, including those of some members of the new coalition, failed to provide sufficient protection for civilians.

It pointed out that in recent months, both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army have used drones extensively, particularly in the Kordofan region, in attacks that reportedly targeted aid convoys and damaged civilian infrastructure, as well as causing deaths and injuries among civilians.