Security forces clamping down protestors in Sudan: HRW

February 6, 2022 (NAIROBI) – Security forces in Sudan have repeatedly attacked or used excessive unnecessary force, including lethal force, against peaceful demonstrators in Khartoum, a New-York based human rights group said Monday.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it documented three of the seven killing of protestors’ incidents recorded by doctors’ groups.

Following the October 25, 2021 military coup, numerous protests have taken place across Sudan, particularly in the Sudanese capital.

The rights group expressed concerns that calls from regional and international actors for the military to halt the crackdown have had no impact.

Fingers were also pointed at Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and unidentified agents in civilian clothes for involvement in the abuses against protesters since the coup.

“For over three months, Sudan’s security forces have caused serious bodily, often lethal, harm to suppress the protests,” said Mohamed Osman, Sudan researcher at HRW.

He added, “And yet, emboldened by years of impunity, and a meek international response to their coup, Sudan’s military leaders have been committing grave crimes against civilians without consequences.” 

The statement also highlighted several testimonies from people who witnessed the killings of peaceful protestors by the security forces.

The right group, however, said it was not been able to investigate or assess independently evidence surrounding some reported killings.

 “The military has repeatedly responded to popular civilian opposition with summary killings, arbitrary arrests, and other abuses, and yet the Sudanese people continue to press for change,” said Osman.

“The international community should not passively observe the protesters, but actively engage with their calls for a fairer Sudan,” he stressed.

According to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, security forces have killed 79 people, including a woman and nine children. January 17 was the second deadliest day since the October 25 coup.

(ST)