U.S. condemns assassination of West Darfur Governor
June 15, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – In a strong and unequivocal statement, the United States has condemned the assassination of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abakr, denouncing the act as part of a larger wave of ongoing atrocities and human rights violations in Sudan’s Darfur region.
The assassination of Governor Abakar on June 14 came after he had fearlessly accused the RSF and other forces of perpetrating genocide, highlighting the gravity of the situation in the conflict-ridden region. The United States also voiced its alarm over additional reports that the brother of the sultan of the Masalit tribe and 16 others were brutally killed in El Geneina on June 12.
On Thursday, The State Department stated that the ongoing atrocities witnessed in West Darfur and other areas serve as an “ominous reminder” of the appalling events that compelled the United States to declare the commission of genocide in Darfur back in 2004.
“We specifically condemn the killing of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abakr on June 14 after he accused the RSF and other forces of perpetrating genocide,” said the State Department.
Also, the statement voiced concern over reports that the brother of the sultan of the Masalit tribe and 16 others were killed in El Geneina on June 12.
Local groups estimate that up to 1,100 civilians have been killed in El Geneina. Moreover, the United Nations has reported a staggering figure of over 273,000 people displaced in West Darfur state.
Reports continue to emerge from the Central Darfur state about atrocities and attacks against non-Arab civilians.
The statement underscored that the RSF and their allied militias hold primary responsibility for the atrocities in Darfur, adding that both sides have been implicated in committing abuses.
However, the State Department added that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) faced criticism for failing to safeguard civilians and their alleged role in exacerbating conflicts by encouraging tribal mobilization.
Furthermore, the State Department expressed concern over SAF attacks carried out through military aircraft or drones, which have impeded humanitarian efforts in the region.
(ST)