Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the high number of casualties in the village of Wad Al-Noura in Aj Jazirah State [EN/AR]

(Port Sudan, 6 June 2024) – I am shocked by reports of violent attacks and a high number of casualties in the village of Wad Al-Noura in Aj Jazirah State on 5 June 2024. While the UN does not yet have the full details and facts of yesterday’s events, there are credible reports of heavy gunfire and the use of explosive weapons in populated civilian areas.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have publicly confirmed that their elements were involved in ground operations in this area on 5 June.

Even by the tragic standards of Sudan’s conflict, the images emerging from Wad Al-Noura are heart-breaking.

I have said it before and I will say it again: wars have rules that need to be respected, no matter what.

Armed clashes and the use of explosive weapons in heavily populated areas must be avoided at all costs. Civilians can never be a target.

All parties to the conflict must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians, in line with International Humanitarian Law and the commitments they undertook in Jeddah.

I call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances and facts of what happened in Wad Al-Noura, and for those responsible of crimes to be held accountable.

Human tragedy has become a hallmark of life in Sudan. We cannot allow impunity to become another one