SUDO (UK) Situation Updates May 2015 Overview

Transcription

1 SUDO (UK) Situation Updates May 2015 Overview During this reporting period our human rights monitors, situated throughout Sudan, have recorded at least 226 deaths, 18 incidents of sexual and gender based violence, 46 injuries, 6 abductions, 9 detentions, 9 confiscations of newspapers resulting in 4 indefinite suspensions, and the displacement of over 35,200 civilians as a result of conflict. Major incidents in May include fierce tribal clashes between members from the Rizaigat and the Ma alia, which killed at least 175 people, in addition to a series of attacks by Sudanese Armed forces (SAF) on civilians from the Ingessana ethnic group situated in Blue Nile, with one such attack displacing some 17,000 civilians who are currently without shelter, food and water. Once again sexual and gender based violence occurs in an environment of complete impunity for the perpetrators. Numerous reports not only cite the unwillingness of authorities to pursue those who commit acts of rape, but also note that authorities are themselves often the perpetrators of such heinous acts. Recommendations Following reports from our monitors. SUDO (UK) recommends the following: To the Government Fulfil its obligation to protect civilians by disbanding, investigating and holding to account all militias, including the Rapid Support Forces and the Janjaweed, for crimes they have committed against civilians.

2 Halt all attacks on the civilian population and investigate those which have previously occurred. Facilitate or directly provide urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced civilians as a result of conflict. Halt all indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilian populated areas. Facilitate local reconciliation efforts between ethnic groups. Increase training for authorities for the prevention of sexual and gender based violence, and to urgently prioritise cases related to this matter. Allow freedom of speech which is a fundamental human right guaranteed in the Sudanese Constitution. Ensure individuals who have been arrested are either charged and dealt with according to the judicial system, or are immediately released. To the Rebels Halt all attacks on the civilian population. UNAMID Take strong action in order to fulfil its mandate, including its obligation to prevent attacks against civilians, within its capability and areas of deployment, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of the Sudan, and the requirement to investigate and hold accountable those who are responsible, and promote efforts to disarm the Janjaweed and other militias. Instances of Human Rights Violations The Republic of Sudan Darfur North Darfur 2/05/2015 Armed men in military uniform killed two civilians and injured 12 during an attack on four civilian vehicles travelling between Kabkabiya and El Fasher. The attack took place 15km west of an IDP camp situated in Korma. The perpetrators were driving two 4x4 Landcruisers. The two civilians killed were: Saadia Ishag (44) Abdulaziz Magdi Hussein

3 3/05/2015 Four members of a Janjaweed militia attacked and severely wounded Abdulaziz Jarelnabi, an IDP from Rwanda Camp situated in Tawila. Abdulaziz is currently receiving treatment at Al-Fasher hospital, though remains in a serious condition. 4/05/2015 Civilians in Samabt village were forced to flee their homes as members of a Janjaweed militia attacked and destroyed their houses. Samabt village is situated 10km east of Korma. 9/05/2015 Members of a Janjaweed militia attacked and killed Suleiman Bushra, a civilian from Um Labona which lies 10km north east of Korma. 10/05/2015 Mohamed Adam Ahmed, an IDP from Al-Salam Camp, was killed by a member of the Border Guards - an associated government militia. No legal action was taken against the perpetrator. 14/5/2015 Members of a Ma alia militia attacked and destroyed a vehicle belonging to the State Water Cooperation which was collecting water tariffs in the market of Um Drab in Al-Tawisha locality, North Darfur. During the attack seven policeman were killed, all of whom belonged to the Berti ethnic group. 16/05/2015 An RSF militia raided Nimra village looting 60 lambs in the process from al-haj Buram, a local resident. When he tried to prevent them from stealing his livestock he was shot three times in the leg. 18/05/2015 Units from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under the command of Himitti, Badr Abukeneish Zaroga and Ahmed Elghali, attacked the villages of Abu Zeraiga, Himmaida, Nimra, Tokamarei and Sharfa. During the attacks RSF soldiers raped four females and looted civilian possessions and livestock. 19/05/2015

4 A Janjaweed militia attacked and occupied various areas in East Jebel Marra forcing the displacement of civilians in Tokamarei, Dobo Al-Omda, Dobo Al-Madrasa, Marra, Krofula, Shawa, Nimro, Hillat Marra and Krokoli. The villagers have been displaced to Tabit, Zamzam and Shangel Tobayei. 20/05/2015 Two soldiers from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) stationed in Tabit raped two females from the village of Um Deresai, which lies 1km east of Tabit. The Commander-in-Chief of the SAF unit in the area refused to allow the filing of the case, and even threatened the victim s families when they tried to do so. 22/05/2015 Abdo Adam Ibrahim, an IDP from Abu Shouk Camp, was shot by a member of the Border Guards breaking his right leg. 24/05/2015 A Janjaweed militia led by Badr Abukeneish attacked the village of Hillat Abakr situtated 12km east of Tabit. The force approached on four 4x4 Landcruisers, 45 camels and 1 horse, killing: Eias Abdulmagid Dosa (25) Hafiz Abdulmagid Dosa (45) Additionally, a fourteen-year-old girl was raped, and the militia further looted 224 sheep, 135 goats, 70 camels, 23 donkeys, in addition to the personal belongings of the villagers. 25/05/2015 The RSF attacked the camps of Dali and Dargo killing Niama Bashar Ahmed who had resisted efforts by the soldiers to rape her - and Abdulmagid Abdulaziz. Following the attacks the RSF looted 80 goats and 7,000 SDG from the deceased, in addition to threatening the destruction of both camps accusing the IDPs of cooperating with the rebels. South Darfur 8/05/2015 The RSF and Janjaweed forces, under the control of Badr Abukeneish, attacked Dobo Al-Madrasa in East Jebel Marra killing: Abkar Haroon Yahya (40) Badredin Omer Yousif (30)

5 Kaltoum Ibrahim Salih (25) And abducting: Ibrahim Hamid Adam (13) Ismail Musa Ahmed (11) Abdelatif Salih Yahya (13) Shogar Haroon (14) Mohammed Abdalla Omer (16) Whilst making their way towards the town of Malam, west of Dobo, the RSF unit further attacked the villages of Sharfa, Arasho and Um Begi injuring: Mariam Omer Dako (46) Musa Eisa (5) Ibrahim Ismail (42) Adam Ishag (32) Ibrahim Mohammed (62) During these attacks the RSF looted civilian possessions and destroyed vital water infrastructure. 16/05/2015 A female IDP was raped by five men on the outskirts of Kalma Camp, Nyala. The mother of ten was herding her goats when she was approached by men riding camels who proceeded to rape her. After which they looted her livestock and fled the scene. The victim was treated in Nyala Teaching Hospital and the case has been reported to the camp s police, who have thus far failed to even seek to identify the perpetrators. 16/05/2015 Monitors note increasing tension in Kalma Camp between the leaders of the IDP community and the World Food Programme (WFP). The dispute follows an announcement by the WFP to reduce rations to 16,000 IDPs by 30%, following previous reductions. The WFP have requested the leaders to send a comprehensive list of their constituents in order for this 30% reduction to take place. If the leaders fail to send their lists then they face the possibility of losing their allocation of food altogether. This issue remains outstanding. 16/05/2015

6 Ahmed Abakr, Executive Director of Kass locality, reportedly kidnapped and raped a fourteen-year-old girl who was subsequently taken to Kass Hospital. The victim s family have attempted to file a case, however, the police have refused to act. 17/05/2015 Four members of a pro-government militia attacked Dr Muzammil Ali Adam Alkamarro in Kass Hospital. This attack follows a previous assault and attempted robbery of the victim s car, which was thwarted, but resulted in Dr Muzammil being shot and requiring care at Kass Hospital. 17/05/2015 Four members of the RSF assaulted and raped two girls who had gone to fetch firewood near Mara village. They were taken for treatment in Al-Malam Hospital and the authorities were notified, though no action has been taken. 17/05/2015 Five members of the RSF attacked a group of civilians at Gereida IDP Camp. The men demanded money from a local merchant who, upon his refusal to hand over the money, was shot dead, as was his colleague. The two killed were: Issa Osman Ali Adam Once the RSF men left they approached two women who refused to stop when asked. The members of the RSF then shot the two women who have since been taken to Gereida Hospital for treatment. The women affected were: Afaf Mohammed Aisha Mohammed The incident was reported to the police. 20/05/2015 Hawa Adam Mohammed Abdelrahman, a tea seller in the Commission headquarters in Gereida, was arrested by members of the National Intelligence Security Service (NISS) at the request of the Commissioner. Upon entering a discussion with the Commissioner, he questioned her genuine need to work as a tea seller and further accused her of being a member of a rebel movement. Hawa protested her innocence, noting her need to work as a tea seller in order to feed her children having lost her husband.

7 25/05/2015 Three female IDPs aged 14, 16 and 18 were attacked and raped in an ordeal which lasted for four hours. The three girls were collecting firewood outside Katoor Camp in East Jebel Marra when they were attacked by nine members of a Janjaweed militia. The girls were taken to Deribat hospital and the police were informed, but the case was registered against an unknown perpetrator. 25/05/2015 Antonov planes bombarded a village near Fanga, killing three civilians, a large number of livestock, and destroying large areas of farmland. The persons killed were: Nora Suleiman (16) Abdulmonem Eisa Adam (19) Abakr Hari (32) 25/05/2015 3,000 IDPs in Kotoor camp east of Jebel Marra are facing a severe humanitarian situation as they are surrounded by a force from the RSF. The IDPs are trapped without food, medicine or shelter as the RSF seek to force them to leave their camps. The civilians affected were previously displaced during attacks on their villages in January and February of this year. 26/05/2015 At 5pm Antonov planes bombarded Soso in East Jebel Marra killing: Adam Yahya Haroon Mariam Hamid Fatima Haroon. And injuring: Aisha Adam Abdulaziz Dawood Additionally, 96 livestock were killed as well as the destruction of large areas of farmland. 27/05/2015 At 8am Antonov planes dropped 12 bombs on the village of Kakori, East Jebel Marra. In total nine people were killed including two children, additionally large portions of farmland were destroyed.

8 27/05/2015 A Janjaweed militia attacked the village of Um Biraira in Kateela locality. During the attack two women were raped and a large number of livestock was looted. 27/05/2015 Indiscriminate aerial bombardment by government forces injured four civilians around the area of Balbil South in Al-Nakhara. The following persons were injured: Ahmed Mohamed Ali (18) Mohamed Mohamed Suleiman (15) Adama Adam Abdalla (8) Adam Eisa (20) 27/05/2015 Two student from the Fur ethnic group have been arrested by RSF in Kalma Camp. The individuals arrested were: Mohamed Abdalla Ibrahim Osman Mohamed Abakr 28/05/2015 Mohyedin Mohammed Gumaa (28), a student from the Zaghawa ethnic group, was arrested by the RSF in Nahda, Nyala. 28/05/2015 The government continued its aerial bombardment of Jebel Marra by bombing the villages of Kagoro, No and Gos Dos killing: Kagoro Abdelkarim Yagoub Adam (42) Eias Yahya (36) Adam Yahya Yagoub (25) No Mariam Yousif Ahmed (23) Aisha Hussein Yahya (15) Fatima Haroon Omer Hamdoon (26) Gos Dor

9 Abdelmageed Daoud Hamid (11) Abdelhayei Suleiman Hamid (8) The bombardments were performed using a combination of Antonov transport planes and MiG fighter jets. Civilians in the area have been displaced to the upper western part of the mountain. In total 12 bombs were dropped on the 28 th April, whilst 75 have been dropped in total from the start of the week. 28/05/2015 Members from a Janjaweed militia attacked Rihaid Albirdi in his home and killed him for unknown reasons. 28/05/2015 Following a disagreement over the price of bricks, members from an RSF militia shot dead two men and injured another in Gereida. 28/05/2015 Sudanese Revolutionary Forces (SRF) sought to destroy the camps of Kalma and Al-Salam in Nyala. Their attempt resulted in the burning of 10 homes in Kalma, and 15 in Al-Salam. Central Darfur 18/05/2015 Members of the RSF attacked civilians in Gildo, West Jebel Marra. Upon their arrival in two 4x4 Landcruisers, they fired bullets in the air and began beating the farmers who were tending to their fields, before looting their produce. The farmers were warned not to return to their farms. During this attack three women were shot in the legs. 18/05/2015 Members of the SRF abducted Mohammed Abdalla Idris, an IDP from Sesi Camp east of Zalingei. The abductors have demanded his family pay 3,000 SDG for his release. The police have been informed but have taken no action.

10 19/05/2015 At 6.30pm, members from the Janjaweed militia attacked the offices of the ICRC in Zalingei, hijacking two trucks which were fully loaded with medicine. The assailants fled south east from the offices towards Kargo Mountain, an area which is deemed a centre for bandits and other armed militias. East Darfur 11/05/2015 On the 8 th May a Rizaigat militia gathered in three camps around Al Da ein, East Darfur, in preparation for an attack on the Ma alia in Abu Karinka and Adila. Whilst present, the militia caused disorder in Al Da ein forcing businesses, banks and government institutions to close, amongst additional reports they were active in looting vehicles and livestock. In an effort to quell the disorder and to discourage the militia from attacking the Ma alia, the local administration sought unsuccessfully to intervene. On the 11 th May at 10am, the Rizaigat militia attacked Abu Karinka killing 105 members of the Ma alia. Initial estimates suggest that roughly 70 individuals belonging to the Rizaigat were killed during the violence, however, there are indications this number is indeed higher. Monitors note that the Rizaigat have sought to hide the total number killed as they do not wish to appear weak. The situation remains tense. West Darfur

11 26/05/2015 A Janjaweed militia in Saraf Magin, south west of Nyala on the road to Geneina are harassing and looting commercial trucks with 10 such attacks having occurred today. The government is failing in its obligation to provide safety and the rule of law. Blue Nile State 13/04/2015 The SPLM-N attacked Village number 10 in Gesan locality killing four civilians and injuring four children from the same family. Those killed were: Awadia Afodi Shaabiya Alkair Sandliya Alkair Omer Alkair Note: This incident, which occurred in April, sets the background for various incidents and heightened military activity in Blue Nile State during the month of May. 7/05/2015 The Sudanese Air Force engaged in the heavy bombardment of Kelgo, situated south of Demazin, Bao locality. The village of Kaltoum was completely destroyed, and an unspecified number of civilians were killed in the process. Residents of the area reported that the police used teargas during operations within the region, though some residents further suggested that the gas was toxic. 10/05/2015 On Sunday 10 th May Alfadil Elsiddig Albir, a butcher from the Ingessana ethnic group in Demazin, was detained without charge by the NISS. 11/05/ soldiers from the SAF attacked the village of Khor Magnza in Bao Locality. The attack forced 17,000 civilians out of their homes, which were subsequently destroyed alongside their

12 possessions and grain stores. Following the attacks, 17,000 civilians have been left without shelter, food and water. This incident was an act of collective punishment following clashes between the SAF and the SPLM-N armed opposition groups at Gilo, during which the Sudanese army failed to capture the mountainous area. Residents of the village of Khor Magnza come from the Ingessana ethnic group to which Malik Agar, chairman of the SPLM-N, belongs. Note: Blue Nile State is experiencing a long running conflict between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-N which began in September 2011 during which the government has utilised collective punishment as a counter-insurgency tactic against civilians from the Ingessana group, to which Malik Agar, Chairperson of the SPLM-N, belongs. Members of the Ingessana have been forcibly removed from their homes, which have then been allocated by the government to loyal members of the Falata ethnic group. The Falata, under the leadership of Abakar and through the PDF militia, have been empowered by the government to drive out the Ingessana from the region. 13/05/2015 A unit from the RSF attacked the village of Begis in the Ingessana Mountains south west of Demazin. They further attacked the village of Algeri in Roseris Locality, burning down 250 homes and forcibly displacing 2,000 civilians. These actions took place following accusations by Sudanese authorities that the villagers had supported SPLM-N by relaying intelligence, in addition to providing food and shelter for injured soldiers.

13 17/05/2015 A combined force from the police and the army attacked the village of Mediam Masalit. The force closed down the schools, destroyed the market, and burned the village. This has resulted in the forced displacement of 3,200 civilians who have fled to Wad Afodi, north of Roseris city. The villagers were accused of providing intelligence, shelter and food to the SPLM-N. 18/05/2015 Government soldiers destroyed the village of Masfa in Bao locality resulting in 4,000 civilians from the Funj tribe being forcibly displaced to Eradif, north of Demazin. 19/05/2015 Siragedin Hassan Has an (47), a civilian trader, was arrested in Kurmuk by military intelligence. He has been accused of communicating with SPLM-N leaders and has been transferred to Demazin, where he is being held in a container within the army headquarters. 21/05/2015 Two individuals were arrested by military intelligence in Alzohoor neighbourhood situated in Demazin, both of whom were then taken to the army headquarters within the city. The two individuals are: Adam Omer (40), an employee of the Forestry Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, was arrested on suspicion of providing SPLM-N with intelligence and working on their behalf. Suleiman Tukul Tarabeza (40), a member of the Ingessana and relative of Malik Agar, was also arrested. According to reports Suleiman is being detained in a container and is being subjected to torture. 23/05/2015 Salah Alradhi Ragab (38), member of the Ingessana and relative of Malik Agar, was arrested in Alzohoor, Demazin. He was detained on suspicion of communicating with SPLM-N situated in Kelgo by mobile phone and has been transferred to the army headquarters in Demazin. Many locals believe that the reason for his arrest is solely for being a relative of Malik Agar, the chair of SPLM-N. 30/05/2015

14 9,000 civilians have been forcibly displaced from the area surrounding Deireng, in Bao locality, to Alazaza, near Roseris town, following an attack by a government force consisting of military intelligence. During the attack water and medical facilities were destroyed, in addition to the market and civilian houses. Those displaced are from the Dawali and Ingessana ethnic groups and have been accused of associating with the SPLM-N. They are currently facing a lack of shelter, water, food and medical services, whilst the fate of 1,000 inhabitants of Deireng is unknown as they were said to have refused displacement. Note: The Government of Sudan is unleashing a campaign aimed to evacuate the areas neighbouring rebel controlled territory. In the process they are destroying property, burning houses, and forcibly displacing civilians. North Kordofan 26/05/2015 A group of student members from the National Congress Party (NCP), assisted by the NISS, attacked students from rival political parties in a bid to prevent the Student Alliance (an alliance of political parties opposing the NCP) from presenting their list of candidates for the upcoming Student Union elections. In total 19 students were injured including: Alnour Rabea Mohammed Hamid Abuelgasim Wael Ahmed Ali Mohamed Idris Alfaki Intisar Nagi Musa Mohamed Almugtaba Yahya Musaab Omer Siryan Nasreldin Ibrahim Press Censorship 25/05/2015 The NISS confiscated 9 daily newspapers providing no reason for this action. This follows the confiscation of 14 daily newspapers on the 16 th February The newspapers confiscated were: Eltyar Algareeda Alsudani

15 Akhir Lahza Alintibaha Alrai Alaam Alwan Al Khartoum Alyoum Altali They further suspended, for an indefinite time, the publishing of four newspapers as a result of their reporting on sexual violence against school children on school transport vehicles. The newspapers indefinitely suspended were: Akhir Lahza Alintibaha Algareeda Al Khartoum The Republic of South Sudan Warrap State 5/05/2015 A twelve-year-old girl from Akuortong in Twic County, Warrap State, was raped and killed as she collected firewood near abandoned villages bordering Mayom County in Unity State. The young girl left home in the morning to collect firewood, but never returned. Her body was discovered alongside the main road which leads into Unity State. Her parents, distraught over their loss, worried that their daughter might have been attacked by wild animals when she failed to return. They did not, however, for one instant believe that their daughter might have been raped and killed as a result of her young age. The 12-year-old s mother has levelled accusations at both government and rebel soldiers, both of which are regularly spotted patrolling the areas along the border of Warrap and Unity states. Relatives and members of the local community stated that there had been no similar incidents to this prior to the conflict. This event has subsequently restricted the free movement of females, regardless of age, in and around the village. The case has been reported to the local police who have assured the family that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice.

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