Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami

(Port Sudan): I am appalled by the killing of dozens of civilians in an attack on a crowded market in southern Khartoum on Sunday, 10 September 2023. Scores more were injured, many of them critically. This incident is just the latest example of the daily horrors that civilians in Sudan continue to face, especially in highly populated areas.  



Four months ago, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan. The very first commitment outlined in that document reads: “We agree that the interests and well-being of the Sudanese people are our top priority and affirm our commitment to ensure that civilians are protected at all times.” 



The ongoing killing of civilians in Khartoum, Nyala, Al Fasher and other areas underscores the fact that the parties to this conflict are not honouring the pledges they signed up to on 11 May or the fundamental rules of international law underpinning them. This includes the obligation to take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm and refrain from any disproportionate attack. 



I call on the SAF, RSF and all armed actors participating in the armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law and take immediate steps to safeguard civilians. The people of Sudan have suffered far too much already.  

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For further information, please contact:

Erich Opolot Ogoso, ogoso@un.org, +254 720 766587