UN Rights Chief Speaks of ‘Horror’ in Sudan amid Advanced Weapons Proliferation
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has blasted the proliferation of advanced weapons in Sudan while the country’s population endures “horror and hell.”
Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been fighting a brutal war that triggered the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis.
Unspeakable Brutality
Following his first visit to Sudan since the outbreak of the war, Türk described a catastrophic humanitarian situation, citing heartbreaking firsthand accounts from displaced families, survivors and first responders he met in Port Sudan, Dongola, Ad Dabba and Merowe.
“War has plunged the country into an abyss of unfathomable proportions because it affects all of the country, all of the people,” he told reporters in Port Sudan at the end of his five-day mission.
“I bore witness in Sudan to the trauma of the unspeakable brutality that people have suffered – but also to the resilience and defiance of the human spirit,” he added.
Targeting Infrastructure
Türk highlighted attacks on critical civilian infrastructure, such as the RSF drone attacks on Merowe dam and hydroelectric power station. He said that attacks on critical civilian infrastructure are “serious violations that can amount to war crimes.”
Moreover, the UN Rights Chief urged the two warring sides to “cease intolerable attacks against civilian objects that are indispensable to the civilian population, including markets, health facilities, schools and shelters.”
Weaponizing Sexual Violence
Türk also heard accounts of atrocities committed by the RSF against Sudanese civilians. “Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war. This is a war crime. And we have more and more indications that this is widespread and systematic,” he noted.
“I also heard accounts of widespread summary executions by RSF during the offensive on El-Fasher – for revenge, for suspected affiliation with the SAF or its allied Joint Forces,” the UN official added.
In light of this, Türk urged for accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes. “My Office is working to document and report on these violations and abuses to pave the way for accountability,” he said.
Kordofan at Risk
The UN Human Rights Commissioner voiced concern that the Kordofan region faces the risk of the repetition of El-Fasher atrocities.
“The Kordofan states are extremely volatile, with relentless military engagements, heavy shelling, drone bombardments and airstrikes causing widespread destruction and collapse of essential services,” he said.
The Kordofan region, with its three states West, North and South, has become a frontline in the nearly three-year war between the SAF and the RSF.
After capturing El-Fasher, the RSF has shifted its focus to the Kordofan region which serves as a strategic corridor that links Khartoum and central Sudan to Darfur, tightening sieges on Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, and Dilling, the state’s second largest city.
“Advances towards Kadugli by the RSF and SPLM-N and continued displacement of civilians from the besieged city – all in the context of extreme food insecurity, with famine conditions confirmed in Kadugli, and risk of famine in other areas including Dilling,” Türk said.
Weapons Proliferation
Türk condemned the vast amounts of money spent on advanced weaponry at the expense of humanitarian aid. The latest UN data showed that over 21 million people – nearly half the population – face acute hunger, while over 20 million people require health assistance.
Moreover, the UN and its partners are struggling under a staggering funding deficit. Despite a request for $4.2 billion last year to address the Sudan crisis, international donors fulfilled just 36% of that goal, hampering life-saving operations.
“The proliferation of advanced military equipment, in particular drones, across Sudan has enhanced the military capabilities of both the SAF and the RSF, prolonging hostilities and deepening the crisis for civilians,” he warned.
“It is despicable that large sums of money are being spent on procuring increasingly advanced weaponry – funds that should be used to alleviate the suffering of the population,” the UN Rights Chief said.
Furthermore, he expressed deep alarm over the militarization of the Sudanese society and the recruitment of children.
The UAE has faced accusations of supplying the RSF with weapons, mercenaries and political support – allegations that Abu Dhabi consistently denies.
“I urge all those involved to set aside entrenched positions, power games, and personal interests, and to focus on the common interests of the Sudanese people,” Türk said.
