The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic events in Wad al Noura village, Al-Gazira state, Sudan.
In a Saturday statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, Workneh condemned the massacre in which at least one hundred and fifty civilians, including thirty-five children, lost their lives.
“The barbaric act is a stark reminder of the profound suffering endured by innocent civilians, particularly women and children, in this senseless conflict,” he said.
The official said the East African regional bloc is deeply alarmed by the continued deterioration of the situation in Sudan, despite numerous international efforts to broker a ceasefire.
He pointed out that that the ongoing conflict is exacerbating acute hunger and pushing various regions towards famine. “IGAD calls upon the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF to immediately cease hostilities and return to ceasefire and cessation of hostilities negotiations,” Workneh said.
He reiterated the various pronouncements of the IGAD summit of heads of state and government that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan. Workneh further said the path to peace and stability lies in dialogue and negotiation, not in the continuation of hostilities.
“The belligerents in the Sudan conflict bear full responsibility and accountability for the recent incidents and the ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. These atrocities must be denounced and thoroughly investigated, with those responsible held to account,” he said.
The IGAD official said he believes that the recent devastation in Wad al Noura highlights the urgent need for the international community to reinforce its commitment to mobilize global efforts.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been at war with the regular army since April 2023, on Wednesday attacked the central village of Wad al-Noura in al-Gazira state with heavy artillery, according to pro-democracy activists.
The activists shared footage of what it said was a mass grave and gave a death toll of more than 100 people.