Sudan Roundup: Rising tensions with Kenya, food theft, US plea for peace
Sudan recalls ambassador to Kenya
Tensions between Sudan and Kenya have escalated as Sudan has recalled its ambassador, Kamal Jubbara, in protest against Kenya's official reception of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo "Hemetti," the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan has accused Kenya of supporting rebellion and conspiring against Sudan, the Sudan Tribune reported. In a statement to the Sudan News Agency, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq said the recall is aimed at exploring all possible options for the future of Sudan's relations with Kenya and plan appropriate retaliation against Kenya. President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of Sudan's Sovereign Council had cautioned against recognising the commander of the RSF, involved in hostilities against the Sudanese army, as a legitimate representative of the Sudanese state.
Food theft in state warehouse
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned the looting of its Gezira State warehouse by Sudan's paramilitary RSF. The stolen food could have fed 1.5 million people for a month, the Sudan Tribune reported. WFP has urged RSF to protect humanitarian assistance, staff, and premises. “Sudanese people who are already desperate and fleeing the fighting have now been robbed of the critical assistance they need. This is intolerable and must stop. In areas under their control, the Rapid Support Forces must guarantee the protection of humanitarian assistance, staff, and premises," said Michael Dunford, WFP Regional Director for Eastern Africa. The WFP further indicates that the looting undermines operations, impacting nearly 18 million people facing acute hunger in Sudan. The WFP has provided humanitarian support for over 5.6 million people in 17 states across Sudan with varying food support programmes in the face of armed conflicts.
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US calls for end to war
The US has reiterated its support for Sudan and urged an end to the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed regret over the humanitarian crisis, war crimes, and displacement caused by the conflict, local media Dabanga Sudan reports. In a statement, Blinken noted that the war had led to numerous cases of “war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, grave food insecurity, widespread displacement, and a collapsing healthcare system.” Further reiterating that “the United States continues to stand with the people of Sudan and will work to end the conflict so that in the coming year, the Sudanese people can begin to realise the peace, security, and prosperity they deserve.”
Human rights abuses condemned
The Sudanese Observatory for Human Rights reports that the war between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has targeted civilians, resulting in a catastrophic human rights situation. Over 3,250 battles have led to 12,190 deaths, mostly civilians, with alleged gross human rights abuses by the RSF, Dabanga Sudan reports. The observatory notes crimes against humanity and multiple violations of human rights. The Armed Conflict Locations and Events Data Project (ACLED) has documented over 3,250 clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF, resulting in more than 12,190 deaths, predominantly among civilians. As per the latest US Sudan Conflict Observatory report released on December 21, the RSF and allied paramilitary forces are accused of committing severe human rights violations against civilians in Darfur. These allegations include the destruction of at least 27 population centres, the forced displacement of at least 500,000 civilians, ethnically motivated extrajudicial killings, gender-based violence, and the hindrance of humanitarian aid in Darfur.
Anti-war political leaders arrested
Sudan's Military Intelligence has arrested Sattea al-Haj, head of the Nasserist Party, along with two leaders of the Sudanese Congress Party. This is part of mass detentions targeting war opposition figures and resistance committees. Concerns have been raised over the well-being of those detained, the Sudan Tribune reports. The Democratic Alliance of Lawyers issued a statement disclosing that Military Intelligence detained Sattea al-Haj upon his arrival in Port Sudan from Madani, Al-Jazira State.
