African-European Organization for Humanitarian Action and Development calls for an independent international investigation committee
African-European Organization
In light of the escalating events in Sudan, the Sudanese Air Force, directed by the Port Sudan government dominated by generals affiliated with the Islamist regime of the former administration, continues to carry out systematic airstrikes targeting civilian areas of specific ethnic groups, particularly in Darfur. Regrettably, these attacks, supported by Al-Bara’ Brigades and the National Congress Party, have become part of a structured military strategy intended to sow chaos and instill fear among the population.
Reports indicate that this latest attack, occurring on Friday, November 8, 2024, marks the third strike in just one month on Al-Kuma in North Darfur. The airstrikes targeted civilian homes, shelter centers, and water sources, resulting in widespread destruction and severe civilian casualties.
Details of the Recent Attack
According to local testimony and statements from Abdullah Adam Jazu, Chief of the Ziyadiya tribe, Sudanese Air Force aircraft, reportedly supported by regional actors, carried out severe aerial bombardments in Al-Kuma. The attacks included strikes on shelters housing a large number of women and children, as well as Al-Farouq Boys’ Primary School, which served as one of the city’s largest shelter centers. The airstrikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of more than 67 civilians, predominantly women and children, and caused total destruction of residential areas and critical facilities, constituting a grave breach of international humanitarian law.
Chief Abdullah Adam Jazu strongly condemned these attacks, stating they form part of a systematic pattern of violence targeting unarmed civilians in Darfur. He further emphasized: “Our commitment to saving our nation and people from this catastrophic situation must be driven by the religious and national duty to put an end to this devastating war.”
In his statement, he highlighted that these massacres echo the atrocities previously committed in Darfur and the Nuba Mountains region, adding that the ongoing targeting of Sudanese citizens in western Sudan will not go unpunished.
Legal Assessment of the Attacks
These deliberate attacks on civilians constitute flagrant violations of multiple international treaties and laws, including:
- The Geneva Conventions: Mandate the protection of civilians and civilian objects during armed conflicts, explicitly prohibiting their direct or indirect targeting.
- International Humanitarian Law: Forbids the use of military force against civilian objects and critical infrastructure, categorizing indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilians as war crimes.
- International Criminal Court (ICC): Criminalizes intentional bombings aimed at destroying specific communities as part of a systematic policy of ethnic cleansing.
The persistence of such systematic and planned attacks intensifies accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity in Sudan, especially as these acts are directed at specific ethnic groups, falling under the scope of ethnic cleansing.
Demands and Recommendations
- International Investigation: The African-European Organization for Humanitarian Action and Development calls for an independent international investigation committee to assess the facts surrounding these repeated attacks and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
- Immediate International Intervention: The organization urges the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to take urgent measures to protect civilians in Sudan and prevent the continuation of these crimes.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Major countries, including the United States and the European Union, should impose strict sanctions on individuals and entities connected to these attacks to ensure a halt to the bombings against civilians.
The African-European Organization for Humanitarian Action and Development stresses that these repeated crimes against Sudanese civilians require immediate international action. Silence on these practices is tantamount to indirect support for the perpetrators. Therefore, the international community must stand by the Sudanese people and support their legitimate struggle for peace and stability.
