Human Rights Watch documents serious violations by Sudan Shield Forces, war crimes, and targeting of civilians in Al-Jazeera State

Human Rights Watch has accused the Sudan Shield Forces a militia allied with the Sudanese army of committing grave human rights violations, including killings, looting, and widespread arson, during an attack on Kombo Tayba village in Al-Jazira state on January 10, 2025.

According to the organization’s report, at least 26 people, including a child, were killed, and several others were injured. The attackers systematically plundered civilian property, stole food supplies, and set homes ablaze. Human Rights Watch asserts that these actions constitute war crimes and, in some cases, may amount to crimes against humanity.

Calls for Urgent Investigation and Accountability

Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior researcher on crises, conflicts, and arms at Human Rights Watch, called on Sudanese authorities to urgently investigate all reported violations and hold those responsible accountable, including Sudan Shield Forces’ leaders.

The report highlights that the attack on Kombo Tayba was part of an escalating wave of violence by militias and armed groups aligned with the Sudanese army against communities in Al-Jazira and other areas recaptured from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since January 2025.

Eyewitness Testimonies and Forensic Evidence

Human Rights Watch based its findings on interviews with eight survivors, satellite imagery analysis, and examination of photographs and videos provided by victims, which documented corpses, widespread destruction by fire, and mass graves.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants opened fire indiscriminately on men and teenage boys in the morning and set buildings on fire. Later in the afternoon, as residents attempted to bury the dead, the attackers returned, moving from house to house in search of male villagers, executing them, looting their belongings, and burning more homes.

Abu Aqla Kikel and the Shifting Alliances of Sudan’s Conflict

The Sudan Shield Forces were established in 2022 by Abu Aqla Kikel, who initially fought alongside the Sudanese army before defecting to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, in October 2024, Kikel rejoined the Sudanese army, triggering a violent backlash from the RSF.

In response, RSF launched retaliatory attacks on communities suspected of supporting Kikel, committing atrocities, including widespread sexual violence against women and girls.

Sudanese Army Faces Pressure to Enforce Accountability

As the Sudanese army regains control over Al-Jazira and other regions, civilians have borne the brunt of retaliatory violence from pro-army militias, who accuse local populations of collaborating with RSF during its previous occupation.

Human Rights Watch has urged the Sudanese army to investigate the attack on Kombo Tayba and other violations by its affiliated militias, publish the findings, and ensure accountability for all perpetrators, including senior commanders.

The organization also called on the army to suspend Abu Aqla Kikel and other key Sudan Shield leaders pending the outcome of investigations, warning that continued impunity would fuel further violence and lawlessness.

Sudanese Army’s Response

The Sudanese army has condemned the violence in eastern Al-Jazira, describing the incidents as “isolated acts of misconduct” and pledging to hold those responsible accountable.

With the country caught in a spiraling conflict, the critical question remains: Will Sudanese authorities take decisive action to end these atrocities, or will impunity continue to embolden further crimes against civilians?