Anak Dut

At least 3,292 concerned South Sudanese living in over 50 countries across the globe have petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate the incident of Wad Medani.

The group demanded for investigation in the atrocities, which, they said, include grave human rights abuses and cold-blooded killings that were reportedly perpetrated by members of the Sudan Armed Forces following their takeover of Wad Medani from the Rapid Support Forces in January 2025.

In a statement issued yesterday, the group said such acts constitute flagrant violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

“The documented crimes—marked by deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians—may also amount to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,” the petitioners said

The petitioners further emphasized the need for the urgent address of the violation to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.

They called on the Fact-Finding Mission to launch an immediate, independent, and comprehensive investigation into these atrocities, collect and safely preserve evidence for future accountability, identify perpetrators and patterns of abuse, provide targeted recommendations not only to hold those responsible accountable but also to prevent further violations.

“Wad Medani is home to a population of diverse nationalities including South Sudanese who have

lived and worked there for decades. Many remained in the city after South Sudan’s independence,

while others sought refuge following conflicts in South Sudan.”

The petitioners added that these individuals are civilians pursuing their livelihoods, with no affiliations to the armed groups involved in Sudan’s ongoing conflict calling on all warring parties to cease attacks against South Sudanese in Sudan and to end atrocities against their people as well.

“The war must not be used as a justification for ethnic or nationality-based persecution.”

The petitioners assured their commitment to stand ready to support the Fact-Finding Mission by facilitating access to victims, witnesses, and additional evidence.

They demanded an update of the report at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council as well as in its comprehensive report at the 60th session.