Darfur Victims Support Organization.
Report on Human Rights Violations in Darfur
September 30, 2024
Introduction:
The Darfur region, long plagued by armed conflicts and human rights violations, continues to witness a steady deterioration in its security and humanitarian situation. As the conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and various armed groups persist, civilians in Darfur are subjected to ongoing violations of their fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, protection from violence and looting, and non-discrimination. The testimonies presented in this report reflect the dire conditions faced by the region’s inhabitants as a result of these violations and underscore the urgent need for intervention to safeguard civilians.
Incident 1 – Assassination of the Director of the Zakat Office:
On September 26, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., an eyewitness informed the Darfur Victims Support Organization of a fatal attack targeting the Director of the Zakat Office in Shaeria locality, East Darfur state. According to the witness, an armed group in a white Toyota Hilux intercepted the road linking Shaeria locality to the city of El Daein and attacked the vehicle carrying Mr. Suleiman Taj al-Din, the Director of the Zakat Office in the locality, resulting in his immediate death. His personal guard, Suleiman Abkar, was also injured in the attack.
This incident reflects the continuation of armed assaults targeting both government officials and civilians alike, highlighting the fragile security situation on public roads and the increasing risks to civilians’ lives.
Incident 2 – Looting of a Passenger Vehicle in North Darfur:
On September 25, 2024, a Toyota Land Cruiser carrying 10 passengers from Kabkabiya locality in North Darfur, heading towards South Darfur, was ambushed by an armed group of seven individuals. According to the testimony of one of the victims, H.N.M, the group was riding three motorbikes and had set up a fake checkpoint on the road between El Fasher and Kass.
The group forcibly removed the passengers from the vehicle and confiscated their mobile phones and personal belongings. The armed individuals stole $3,000 from H.N.M, along with an iPhone 14 and three additional mobile phones from other passengers. This incident exemplifies the deteriorating security conditions on the region’s roads, where looting and armed assaults have become common, making travel exceedingly dangerous.
General Situation in Darfur:
These incidents illustrate the ongoing precarious security situation in the Darfur region, especially in light of the absence of a centralized authority capable of imposing order and law. Amid the ongoing conflict between government forces and various armed factions, civilians bear the brunt of the violence. The primary roads connecting states and localities have become frequent targets for attacks and looting by armed gangs operating without deterrence.
Impact on Civilians:
Civilians in Darfur suffer from the loss of personal security and freedom of movement due to the increasing risks on the roads. Citizens are forced to travel between towns and localities despite the dangers, due to the absence of effective protection from authorities. These incidents exacerbate the suffering of residents in rural areas who rely on transportation between states for essential supplies and daily activities.
Furthermore, the continued absence of law and order amplifies feelings of fear and anxiety among the population and significantly affects the region’s economy, as trade and movement become nearly impossible under these circumstances.
Recommendations:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation and Hold Perpetrators Accountable:
The Darfur Victims support Organization calls on the Sudanese authorities to conduct urgent, independent investigations into the aforementioned incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. Allowing these crimes to go unpunished encourages their continuation and deepens the deterioration of security.
2. Ensure the Safety of Civilian Movement:
The organization urges the Sudanese government and the international community to take immediate steps to secure the main roads linking the states and towns in Darfur. Effective protection for civilians during travel must be provided to ensure their safety from armed attacks and looting.
3. Strengthen the Presence of UN Peacekeeping Forces:
Given the worsening security situation, the organization renews its call for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Darfur, particularly in areas suffering from increasing insecurity. These forces should be equipped to protect civilians and secure vital transportation routes.
4. Enhance the Role of Civil Society in Monitoring the Security Situation:
Support must be given to local and international civil society organizations working to document human rights violations in Darfur, and they should be provided with the necessary resources to carry out their role in monitoring the situation and submitting regular reports that shed light on the ongoing violations.
The deteriorating security situation in Darfur poses a grave threat to civilian lives and exacerbates their daily suffering. The documented incidents in this report highlight the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and put an end to the growing human rights violations in the region. Darfur remains in dire need of concerted efforts from the international community, both in terms of enhancing security and providing humanitarian aid to the affected populations.
