Crisis Unleashed: A Devastated Darfur Town Marks Sudan’s Ongoing Struggles

Sudan: Darfur Town Destroyed

ICC Should Investigate Killings, Looting by Rapid Support Forces, Arab Militias

A recent attack on the town of Misterei in Sudan‘s West Darfur state has left at least 28 ethnic Massalit dead and dozens of civilians injured. The violence underscores the urgent need for a stronger international response to the widening conflict in the region. Both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militias were responsible for the summary executions, looting, and destruction of the town. The international community, including the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), should investigate these atrocities as part of the broader Darfur investigation.

The attack on Misterei took place on May 28, 2023. Several thousand fighters from the RSF, an independent military force engaged in armed conflict with the Sudan military, along with Arab militias, descended upon the town and unleashed a reign of terror. They killed men in their homes, on the streets, and in hiding. Fleeing residents, including women and children, were fired upon. The attackers pillaged and burned most of the town, forcing thousands of residents to flee to neighboring Chad.

Widening Conflict and Ongoing Atrocities

The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April, with West Darfur becoming a hotbed of violence. The mass killings and destruction in Misterei are just one example of the atrocities being committed against civilians in the region. The Sudanese warring parties must immediately cease their attacks on civilians and allow safe access for aid. Furthermore, the international community must engage in a stronger and more coordinated response to address the crisis.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, over 300,000 people have been internally displaced in West Darfur alone, and approximately 217,000 have sought refuge in Chad. The majority of those registered refugees are from the Massalit community. The humanitarian response in Chad remains significantly underfunded, exacerbating the dire situation for those who have fled their homes.

The Urgent Need for International Action

To address the atrocities and ensure accountability, several key actions must be taken by the international community. The UN Security Council should call for immediate safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Darfur. Security Council member countries, along with the European Union and the African Union (AU), should impose targeted sanctions on the leaders of the RSF and Arab militias responsible for serious abuses against civilians. These sanctions should apply regardless of the perpetrators’ positions or ranks.

Investigation and Accountability

The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC should prioritize investigating the attack on Misterei and other villages and towns in West Darfur as part of its comprehensive Darfur investigation. The ICC has a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the region. Sudan‘s international and regional partners must support the ICC’s work by cooperating with investigations and ensuring the surrender of fugitives.

International Aid and Support

International and regional donors must significantly increase humanitarian support for both Sudan and Chad. This includes providing assistance to those fleeing the conflict and to the communities that are hosting them. The European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other concerned governments should impose targeted sanctions on the leaders of the RSF, Sudan Armed Forces, and armed groups responsible for abuses against civilians.

Conclusion: Addressing the Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Sudan‘s Darfur region demands urgent attention and action from the international community. The recent attack on Misterei, resulting in mass killings and the destruction of the town, highlights the need for robust intervention to protect civilians and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the violence. The ICC, along with regional and international partners, must investigate the atrocities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Moreover, immediate humanitarian support and targeted sanctions are crucial to address the ongoing crisis and prevent further abuses against civilians.

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