Four civilians were killed in the village of Al-Qirbin in Sennar state on Saturday, August 9, after being shot by a member of a local militia, in an incident that highlights the growing danger posed by armed groups operating with impunity across Sudan. The killings have been condemned by rights groups as a flagrant violation of international and national laws.
According to initial reports, the incident claimed the lives of four members of the Rifaa tribe:
- Ahmed Idris Muhammad Idris (Al-Shati)
- Al-Amas Hamouda Idris Abdullah
- Abdullah Abdullah Idris Abdullah (Kajik)
- Abdullah Idris Al-Shaer
A fifth individual, Jedo, a member of the Blue Nile tribe, was also injured in the shooting and is receiving medical treatment. The alleged perpetrator has been identified as Bashara Hanto, a member of the Takla militia which is affiliated with the Sennar sector.
In a statement, the Emergency Lawyers Group confirmed the assassination of the four civilians, describing it as a “horrific crime.” The group noted with concern that the attack took place near a police and military intelligence station, a location that is supposed to provide the highest levels of protection to civilians, raising serious questions about the failure of local security services.
The lawyers’ group stated that this attack is not an isolated event, but reflects “a disturbing pattern of violations committed against civilians under the umbrella of uncontrolled armament.” They emphasized that the incident represents a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and national laws that protect civilians and their right to life and personal integrity.”
The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) unequivocally condemns the killing of these four civilians and offers its deepest condolences to their families and community.
This attack is a direct result of the dangerous proliferation of weapons and the continued empowerment of armed militias operating outside the rule of law. The state has a fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens.
DNHR calls for:
- An immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation into the killings by authorities in Sennar state and the federal government.
- The arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator in a fair trial to ensure accountability.
- A decisive campaign by Sudanese authorities to disarm all militias and armed groups not under the state’s formal command and control structure.
Failure to address such atrocities will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and impunity that plagues communities across Sudan.