Sudan Rejects UN Request for Deployment of Civilian Protection Force

Sudan has rejected the United Nations experts' request to deploy an 'independent and neutral force' to protect millions of displaced civilians. These civilians have been displaced due to over a year of war in the country. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April of last year between the army and militia forces, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. UN independent experts stated on Friday that their fact-finding mission uncovered 'horrific violations' committed by both sides in the conflict, which could amount to 'war crimes and crimes against humanity.' These experts called for the 'immediate deployment of an independent and neutral force with the mission of protecting civilians' in Sudan. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry, loyal to the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, announced on Saturday evening that 'the government of Sudan completely rejects the recommendations of the UN mission.' It stated that its government considers the UN Human Rights Council to be 'a political and illegal entity' and accused the UN fact-finding team of 'blatantly violating its mandate.' UN experts estimate that there are currently eight million displaced civilians in Sudan, with another two million having fled to neighboring countries. Additionally, over 25 million people, more than half of the country's population, are facing severe food shortages. The war between forces of Abdel Fattah Burhan, the President and army commander in Khartoum, and the militia led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces, ignited in early April last year and continues. While the international community's attention has been focused on the Gaza war and previously on Russia's invasion of Ukraine over the past year, there is no prospect for an end to the crisis in Sudan.