Türkiye condemns RSF attack on displaced civilians in Sudan, cites war crime

Türkiye has strongly condemned an attack by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on a vehicle transporting displaced civilians in North Kordofan state, which resulted in multiple civilian deaths. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry described the incident as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and reiterated the imperative of protecting non-combatants during armed conflicts.

Ankara's Firm Stance on Civilian Protection

The ministry expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted under any circumstances. “We strongly condemn attacks against civilians,” the statement declared, stressing that such acts contravene fundamental principles of humanitarian law. Türkiye also called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of affected populations and to facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to conflict zones.

Context of the Attack and Broader Conflict

The condemnation follows reports that Sudanese government authorities accused the RSF of carrying out a drone strike on a World Food Programme aid convoy in North Kordofan on Saturday, causing casualties and destroying relief supplies. Separately, Sudanese officials reported that 24 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, were killed when RSF fighters targeted a vehicle carrying displaced families in the city of Al-Rahad. These incidents are part of the wider conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which began in April 2023.

Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Control

The ongoing war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions, creating one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies. The RSF controls most of Sudan’s five Darfur states in the west, while the national army holds the capital, Khartoum, and large areas across the south, north, east, and center of the country. Türkiye’s statement aligns with growing international concern over the deteriorating situation and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and unimpeded humanitarian access.

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