Investigation Ordered Amid Allegations of Atrocities by Sudanese Military

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to widespread atrocities, with recent allegations of killings by the military after regaining control of Wad Madani. Gen Burhan has established a committee to investigate these claims amid international concerns.

In the wake of increasing allegations of possible war crimes, Sudan's military leadership is facing scrutiny following a recent operation that recaptured Wad Madani. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief, has called for a formal investigation into reported civilian fatalities attributed to his troops during and after the takeover of the city, a significant strategic location south of Khartoum.

This decision comes amid rising global concern over the safety of civilians, including foreign nationals, in the aftermath of military operations against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Neighboring South Sudan has expressed its discontent by summoning Sudan’s ambassador, urging accountability for what they term as tragic losses among their citizenry.

Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since April 2023, pitting the army against the RSF. Wad Madani has shifted control between these factions over the past year, making the recent military success noteworthy yet controversial.

Reports from a Sudanese rights group allege that at least 13 individuals were killed in the village of Camp Taiba, with the UN's humanitarian chief emphasizing distress over retaliatory attacks targeting civilians based on presumed ethnic lines. The United States has decried the situation, describing it as "appalling" and urging for accountability.

Gen Burhan has formed a committee tasked with investigating these allegations, expected to report within a week; however, he refrained from addressing concerns raised by South Sudan regarding the investigation’s scope or focus. As the military seeks to distance itself from these acts, they have previously accused the RSF of employing foreign mercenaries from South Sudan.

Emerging video evidence has captured various incidents, including disturbing scenes of violence against individuals in civilian clothing, with analysts confirming these were recorded at identifiable locations related to the conflict.

The Sudanese Armed Forces have acknowledged "individual violations" and maintain their commitment to accountability, yet the ongoing volatility of the situation raises questions regarding the effectiveness of these investigations. Both factions continue to report allegations against one another, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region and the path toward resolution.