The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has pledged to hold accountable those who undermine efforts to end the ongoing war in Sudan since mid-April. Simultaneously, the UN Human Rights Council is moving forward with a resolution to establish an international committee to investigate violations committed by the warring parties.
Following an aerial and ground bombardment that hit several neighborhoods in Khartoum on Monday and Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of over 30 people, the international community has intensified its efforts to hold those obstructing peace talks accountable. The conflict, which has been ongoing for approximately 170 days in the Sudanese capital and various other regions, pits the army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and has led to the death of over 7,000 people and the displacement of around 5 million individuals.
The US Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated in a brief announcement posted on the US Embassy’s Facebook page in Khartoum that her country would hold those undermining peace and democratic transition in Sudan accountable.
Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks come less than a week after the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Ali Karti, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Movement in Sudan, for his role in undermining peace, security, and stability in Sudan. He, along with other radical Islamists, was accused of impeding efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end the war.
Additionally, Britain and four European nations have submitted a draft resolution that calls for the formation of an international committee to investigate human rights violations committed by the army and the RSF. This move follows reports of indiscriminate aerial and ground shelling that targeted many residential areas, as well as widespread allegations of arrests, rape, and torture.
The draft resolution calls for an immediate and complete halt to mobilization and armed activities, the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, the establishment of an independent mechanism to monitor the ceasefire, the rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, and a peaceful solution to the conflict through comprehensive dialogue. It also urges all parties to recommit to the civilian-led transitional phase in Sudan, in cooperation with the Sudanese people.