Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is gravely concerned by the ongoing systematic and escalated attacks in West Darfur State, particularly the recent horrifying attacks in Kulbus locality, West Darfur. These brutal acts of compounding violence being perpetrated against innocent civilians are a further reminder that the Sudanese military continues to worsen the situation in Darfur while the international community has turned its attention elsewhere.
Arab militias have recently launched a series of attacks in the Kulbus locality, north of Jebel Moon in West Darfur. Recent reports indicate that the death toll has increased to over 125, and an estimated 50,000 people have been displaced due to the violent attacks. Arab militias set more than 20 villages on fire and reportedly seized control of the water resources, worsening the humanitarian situation in the area. Local officials have stated that authorities have deployed more troops within the area. However, they were unable and unwilling to provide adequate security to civilians. DWAG is extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis this has created, in which the displaced include a large number of children, pregnant mothers, and nursing women. Recent reports suggest that many of the displaced children are suffering from health concerns. The increase in displacement shows how the violence affects particularly vulnerable communities, inflicting unbearable pain and suffering on innocent men, women, and children.
This latest violent incident is eerily similar to the violence that took place in late April of this year, in which almost 200 civilians were killed Moreover, these massacres extremely alarming and are not isolated incidents; they are part of a new wave of genocidal violence that is being conducted systematically and with impunity. This further emphasizes the need for civilian protection mechanisms in the region, as the withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) created a security vacuum that left the Darfuri people more vulnerable to violent attacks and with nowhere to turn for protection.
Since the October 25th coup, violence continues to escalate and hundreds have lost their lives. Despite this, world leaders have perpetually overlooked the crisis in Sudan. As a result of the silence and complicity of our leaders, the Sudanese military will continue to exterminate more civilians. DWAG strongly denounces the escalation of this violence, as well as the international community’s willingness to look the other way in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe. These attacks across Darfur continue to happen because of the lack of accountability for perpetrators. As we enter the halfway point of 2022, it is important to reflect upon the year and the events that have occurred leading up to this day. As violence continues to rise and more civilian lives are put at risk, the problem will only worsen if we do not join together to act for the people of Darfur.
DWAG calls on the international community to take strong accountability measures and pressure Sudan to stop its militias from attacking civilians in Darfur. We call on the international community, the United States, and the UN Security Council to take the following measures:
- Dispatch high-level Security Council delegates to investigate all violent incidents, particularly the killings of innocent civilians and rape of women and children;
- Demand Sudan to open unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need;
- Impose targeted sanctions on individuals for committing and promoting gross human rights violations, including travel bans and asset freezing on military generals to ensure financial accountability to limit their access to weapons;
- Demand that Sudanese authorities disarm the Janjaweed and withdraw its forces from civilian areas, in particular near the areas of camps for the internally displaced, which will protect civilian life and their human rights.
- Impose measures of criminal accountability and support the ICC to investigate the past and present crimes and to bring those responsible to face trial
- Call for authorization of neutral UN/international forces to protect civilians and end the mass massacres before it’s too late
It is imperative that the United States and the international community stand with the people of Darfur and Sudan, not the government, by prioritizing accountability, protection of human rights, and respect for human dignity in Sudan.
DWAG equally urges our supporters to speak up, spread the word, and demand their leaders to take swift action to end the suffering and bring lasting peace and stability in Sudan. We must continue to make our voice louder and demand accountability. With our collective effort, we can make a difference and end the suffering in Darfur and across Sudan.
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