UN rights office reports escalating violence against civilians in Khartoum
March 20, 2025 (GENEVA) – The UN Human Rights Office said on Thursday it was receiving “troubling reports” of escalating violence against civilians in Khartoum amid continued intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Dozens of civilians, including local humanitarian volunteers, have been killed by artillery shelling and aerial bombardment in eastern Khartoum and north Omdurman since March 12, UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Seif Magango said in a statement.
“Credible reports indicate that the RSF and allied militia have raided homes in eastern Khartoum, carrying out summary killings and arbitrary detentions, and looted food and medical supplies from community kitchens and medical clinics,” Magango said. The UN office also received “worrying allegations” of sexual violence in the Al Giraif Gharb neighbourhood, he added.
The statement also said the SAF and affiliated fighters were reported to have engaged in looting and other criminal activities in areas they control in Khartoum North (Bahri) and East Nile. It added that widespread arbitrary arrests were ongoing in East Nile.
“We call once again on both parties – and all States with influence over them – to take concrete steps to ensure the effective protection of civilians and to bring an end to the continuing lawlessness and impunity,” Magango said.
Sudan Tribune was unable to verify the reports independently. The SAF and RSF have previously denied targeting civilians. Both sides have accused each other of committing abuses.
However, analysts suggest the RSF is deliberately targeting civilian neighbourhoods in Khartoum state, El Obeid in North Kordofan, and El Fasher in an attempt to provoke public outrage and pressure the army leadership into negotiations.
Sudan plunged into war last April when a simmering power struggle between the SAF and the RSF erupted into open warfare. The conflict has killed thousands of people, displaced millions, and led to a humanitarian crisis.