African Union demands investigation of rights violations in Sudan, calls for an end to violence

November 5, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – An African Union (AU) official on Tuesday called for an investigation into alleged human rights violations in Sudan and the prosecution of those responsible, calling for an end to the escalating violence.

The African Union’s Special Representative for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, expressed his deep concern about the increase in clashes and civilian deaths, especially in Gezira province and Damazin region.

“Hate speech, racial hatred and incitement to ethnically based violence have reached unacceptable levels,” Dieng said in a statement. he said.

He highlighted reports of mass murders, summary executions, sexual assault and other abuse, and noted that a communications blackout made it difficult to assess the full scale of the violence.

Dieng specifically referred to the recent escalation in Gezira following the departure of an RSF commander to the Sudanese Armed Forces on October 20, which led to retaliatory attacks on civilians. These attacks led to mass displacement and the separation of families, he said.

Leaders of the warring factions, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Dagalo, called on “Hemedti” to reduce hostilities, stop hate speech and ensure their forces respect international humanitarian and human rights law.

Dieng called on the international community to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid and intensify diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.