U.S. envoy alarmed by RSF attacks displacing civilians in Sudan

KHARTOUM – The U.S. special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, expressed deep concern on Wednesday over ongoing attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that have displaced thousands of civilians in Sennar state.

The RSF, which has been fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April last year, seized control of an army division in the state capital Sinja on June 30 and subsequently expanded its operations, prompting residents to flee towards al Gadaref state.

“I am alarmed by RSF attacks that have forced a civilian mass exodus from Singa, Sennar State and surrounding areas,” Perriello wrote on Twitter.

He called on the RSF to uphold its obligations to protect civilians.

“The RSF has legal and moral obligations concerning civilian protection and should ensure that civilians seeking refuge are protected from violence,” Perriello said.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday that over 60,000 people have fled their homes due to the fighting in Sennar, as well as insecurity in nearby areas.

The violence is the latest in a long-running conflict that has displaced millions within Sudan and to neighboring countries.

OCHA’s communications officer, Vanessa Huguenin, said most of those displaced by the recent clashes are moving east towards al Qadarif state.