DARFUR Union in the UK: What is happening in Kutum is a War Crime
There has been a recent upsurge in organised mass violent crimes in Kutum, North Darfur, Sudan. On June 12, 2023, the Janjaweed militias, under many names, attacked the town, killing at least hundreds of civilians and wounding many more, whilst thousands have been displaced. This was done on the basis of the ethnicity of the civilians, echoing the atrocities committed by the previous government and the very Janjaweed group in DARFUR which led to War crimes.
The Janjaweed also took control of the Sudanese army’s 22nd Brigade garrison. Furthermore, they have completely destroyed the town market after looting it. Kutum has been under siege for the last few weeks with no access to medical and food supplies (ref. 1).
DARFUR Union in the UK
Since the Darfur conflict began in 2003, more than 500,000 people have been killed and 2.7 million have been displaced, and the leaders of the governments, included the former president, Omar Elbashir, were indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for a number of counts including genocide (ref. 2).
The violence in Kutum has caused widespread fear and displacement. Many residents have fled the town, seeking safety in other parts of Darfur or in neighboring Chad.
The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the violence, but it is unclear when or if such an investigation will be conducted.
The violence in Kutum is a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The conflict has caused immense suffering and displacement, and it is clear that more needs to be done to bring peace to the region.
Here are some additional details about the recent violence in Kutum:
• The Janjaweed attack on Kutum for the second time on Sunday, June 12, 2023
• The Janjaweed has targeted civilians, including women and children
• The Janjaweed also looted and destroyed property including the twin market.
• The Sudanese army has been deployed to Kutum, but it has not been able to stop the violence
• The violence has caused widespread fear and displacement
• The Sudanese government has condemned the violence, but it has not taken any concrete steps to stop it
• The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the violence
The ongoing meaningless war in the Capital of Sudan, Khartoum, between the Sudan Arm Forces (SAF) and Rapid Speed Forces (RSF) will further ignite the fuel of violence against the civilians in the region and moreover, will prolong the genocide in Darfur.
Darfur Union in the UK
Website: https://darfurunionuk.wordpress.com
Email: darfurunionintheuk@gmail.com
Twitter handle: @darfurunionuk
Ref. 1:- A Plea to the International Community and Aid Agencies regarding the Dire Humanitarian Situation in Darfur Cities (Elgeneina, Kutum and Zalingei) – https://darfurunionuk.wordpress.com/2023/06/12/darfur-union-in-the-uk-a-plea-to-the-international-community-and-aid-agencies-regarding-the-dire-humanitarian-situation-in-darfur-cities-elgeneina-kutum-and-zalingei/
Ref. 2:- Bashir Indictment by International Criminal Court (ICC) – https://darfurunionuk.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/darfur-union-in-the-uk-commemorates-the-9th-anniversary-of-bashir-indictment-by-international-criminal-court-icc-in-leicester/comment-page-1/