Sudan’s army chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has initiated an investigation into allegations of widespread atrocities committed by his troops after recapturing Wad Madani, the capital of Gezira state, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The move comes amid concerns over civilian casualties, including foreign nationals, following the seizure of the strategic city.
Neighboring South Sudan has summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest the killing of its citizens, while a Sudanese rights group accused the military of killing at least 13 people in a nearby village.
The UN’s humanitarian chief in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed deep concern over reports of retaliatory attacks against civilians based on alleged affiliation or ethnicity.
The US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, described the reports as “appalling” and urged the army and allied groups to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the army and the RSF.