AU demands probe into Sudan rights abuses, calls for end to violence

 November 5, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) –  An African Union (AU) official on Tuesday called for investigations into alleged human rights violations in Sudan and the prosecution of those responsible, urging an end to the escalating violence.

Adama Dieng, the AU Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide, voiced deep concern over the surge in fighting and civilian deaths, particularly in Gezira state and the Damazin area.

“Hate speech, racial hatred, and incitement to ethnically motivated violence have reached intolerable levels,” Dieng said in a statement.

He highlighted reports of mass killings, summary executions, sexual assault, and other abuses, noting that a communication blackout made it difficult to assess the full scale of the violence.

Dieng specifically cited a recent escalation in Gezira following the defection of an RSF commander to the Sudanese Armed Forces on Oct. 20, which sparked retaliatory attacks against civilians. These attacks, he said, have led to mass displacement and family separation.

He urged the leaders of the warring factions, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Dagalo “Hemedti,” to de-escalate the fighting, cease hate speech, and ensure their forces respect international humanitarian and human rights law.

Dieng called on the international community to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and intensify diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.