The top UN official in Sudan says she is deeply disturbed by reports of “brutal crimes” in the central state of Gezira, including mass killings of civilians by the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF), the BBC reports.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami’s comments came after an activist group said the RSF had killed at least 124 people in attacks on villagers over the past week.
The RSF has denied targeting civilians, saying its fighters are clashing with militias armed by the army.
The 18-month conflict in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 11 million.
Gezira state turned into a major battleground last week after the RSF suffered a major blow when one of its commanders, Abu Aqla Kayka, defected to the army.
The military said he had brought “a large number of his forces” with him, in what it described as the first high-profile defection to its side.
In response, the RSF said that its fighters would defend themselves and “resolutely deal with all those who carry weapons.”
Nkweta-Salam, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, said preliminary reports suggested that the RSF carried out a major attack across the country between October 20 and 25.
She added that this led to mass murders, rape of women and girls, looting of markets and homes, and burning of farms.
