Saudi Arabia condemns RSF attacks on Sudan hospital and civilians as war crimes

Saudi Arabia has condemned a series of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan that targeted civilian infrastructure and resulted in numerous casualties. In a formal statement on Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denounced assaults on a military hospital, a World Food Program aid convoy, and a bus carrying displaced civilians in Sudan’s North and South Kordofan states.

Details of the Attacks

The ministry described the incidents as criminal assaults that killed dozens of unarmed civilians, including women and children, and caused significant damage to medical and humanitarian facilities. These events reportedly include the RSF shelling of the Al-Kuwik Military Hospital in South Kordofan on Thursday, a drone strike on a WFP convoy in North Kordofan on Saturday, and an attack on a civilian vehicle in Al-Rahad city that left at least 24 dead. The RSF has not issued an immediate comment on the allegations.

Saudi Arabia's Firm Stance

Riyadh stated that such actions are unjustifiable and constitute blatant violations of international humanitarian law. The kingdom urged the RSF to immediately cease these operations and fulfill its obligations under the Jeddah Declaration, signed in May 2023, which mandates the protection of civilians and safe humanitarian access. Saudi Arabia also reaffirmed its support for Sudan's unity and sovereignty, warning against foreign interference and the flow of illicit weapons and fighters into the country.

Context of the Sudan Conflict

The violence occurs amid the wider conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which began in April 2023. The war has killed thousands and displaced millions across Sudan. Currently, the RSF controls most of the Darfur region in the west, while the army holds the capital, Khartoum, and large areas in the north, south, east, and center of the country. The ongoing fighting has severely hindered humanitarian operations and exacerbated one of the world's most acute displacement crises.