Darfur Victims Support Organization
Report on Human Rights Violations in Saraf Omra Locality, North Darfur State – El Fasher
Period: October 5 – 8, 2024
October 9, 2024
During the period from October 5 to October 8, 2024, Saraf Omra Locality in North Darfur witnessed incidents of violence and severe human rights violations, including attacks on property and individuals. These events have further complicated the security situation in the area. This report highlights the details of the incidents and provides urgent recommendations to ensure these violations are not repeated and that the lives and property of citizens are protected.
Incident 1 – October 5, 2024:
At around 9:00 PM, the Al-Amara neighborhood in Saraf Omra Locality witnessed an attack by two armed individuals dressed in civilian clothing and carrying Kalashnikov rifles. The target was a shop selling “Starlink” devices, owned by a citizen (A.F.Q.). The attackers attempted to steal mobile phones from the shop’s customers, which led to a confrontation with the shop owner. The confrontation resulted in the death of one of the attackers, named Abdullah (34 years old). The second attacker was apprehended, and the Reconciliation Committee intervened to resolve the conflict, leading to a settlement between the parties.
Incident 2 – October 8, 2024:
At around 11:00 AM, another incident occurred in the Kin West neighborhood of Saraf Omra Locality. A group of herders drove a herd of approximately 60 camels onto the farm of citizen Abdullah Abdullah Hassan (42 years old). The farmworker, Ali Adam (35 years old), attempted to drive the livestock out, but the herders refused and opened fire on him, injuring his leg. When the farm owner, Abdullah Abdullah Hassan, arrived to assist the injured worker, the three herders shot him, causing a fatal abdominal injury.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were informed, and they arrested the perpetrators, who were found to belong to the “Awda Fadl Rabih” group from Zalingei, Central Darfur. The Reconciliation Committee intervened again, and an agreement was reached between the parties to avoid escalation. The injured individual was taken to the local hospital, while the deceased was buried in Kin East Cemetery.
Analysis of the Situation:
These incidents occur amidst a fragile security situation in Saraf Omra, which has persisted since the outbreak of war in Sudan on April 15, 2023. There is a clear failure on the part of responsible authorities in the area to provide adequate protection for citizens, as armed attacks continue to occur frequently, putting civilian lives at constant risk. These events reflect the extreme vulnerability of the security situation in the area and highlight the urgent need for swift and effective intervention to ensure the safety of residents and prevent the recurrence of such crimes.
Recommendations:
1. Avoid escalation and resolve disputes through dialogue: The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls on all parties in Saraf Omra Locality to refrain from escalating conflicts and to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue, avoiding the use of violence in settling disagreements.
2. Provide protection for citizens: The organization demands that the authorities in control of the area assume their responsibilities in protecting civilians, ensuring their safety and the security of their property, and working to prevent the recurrence of such serious violations.
3. Enhance the efforts of the Reconciliation Committee: The organization commends the role played by the Reconciliation Committee in Saraf Omra Locality and calls for strengthening and supporting its efforts to be more effective in resolving conflicts and reducing tensions.
4. Establish monitoring and protection mechanisms: The organization urges the establishment of effective mechanisms to monitor the security situation in the area, including the regular patrolling of specialized security forces, and the activation of effective communication channels between citizens and security authorities to report threats and ensure immediate response.
5. Investigation and accountability: The organization stresses the need for an urgent and transparent investigation into these incidents and for holding those responsible accountable in local or international courts if necessary.
6. Support community dialogue: The organization calls for the organization of community awareness campaigns that promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the different social components of Saraf Omra Locality, steering away from violence as a means of resolving conflicts.
The escalation of violence in Saraf Omra Locality poses a serious threat to the stability of the region and endangers the lives of thousands of citizens. The Darfur Victims Support Organization emphasizes the necessity of taking urgent and effective measures to protect civilians and prevent these incidents from recurring. The organization also reaffirms its commitment to continuing to monitor the situation, document violations, and collaborate with local and international entities to ensure justice and accountability for all those involved in these crimes. Authorities and the international community must take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the residents of Saraf Omra Locality and all regions of Darfur.
