Emmanuel OchayiSudan’s army announced on Thursday it would deliver a “harsh response” to an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on the village of Wad al-Noura.
Pro-democracy activists reported that the attack resulted in over 100 deaths.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe attack, which occurred on Wednesday, in Gezira State, is the largest in a series of assaults by RSF soldiers on small villages since they took control of the capital Wad Madani, in December. Local activists have accused the army of not responding to pleas for help during the attack, prompting the army’s latest declaration.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, strongly condemned the attack. “The Secretary-General urges all parties to refrain from any attacks that could harm civilians or damage civilian infrastructure,” said UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Guterres expressed deep concern over the continued hostilities and stressed the need for all parties to commit to sustainable peace.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, called for an investigation into the attack. “Even by the tragic standards of Sudan’s conflict, the images emerging from Wad al-Noura are heartbreaking,” she said.
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The Wad Madani Resistance Committee, which has been monitoring the attacks, reported 104 deaths and hundreds of injuries, with the RSF advancing towards other villages. The committee said in a statement, “Wad al-Noura village … witnessed a genocide on Wednesday after the RSF attacked twice.”
The RSF began its conflict with the Sudanese army in April 2023, over disputes related to the integration of the two forces. Since then, the RSF has captured Khartoum and much of western Sudan and is now attempting to extend its control to central Sudan. The United Nations has warned that the Sudanese population is at “imminent risk of famine” due to the ongoing hostilities.
Residents of Wad al-Noura shared harrowing accounts of the attack. “We hid in our homes, praying for the shooting to stop,” said Fatima, a local villager. “When we came out, the village was in ruins, and many of our loved ones were gone.”
In response, Sudan’s army has vowed to take swift action. “The RSF’s actions are unacceptable, and we will respond harshly to protect our people and our land,” said General Abdul Rahman, a spokesperson for the army.
As the conflict continues, the international community is urging both sides to prioritize the safety of civilians. “We need immediate humanitarian access to those affected,” said Nkweta-Salami. “The suffering of the Sudanese people must end.”
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings peace to the war-torn nation.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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