UN Human Rights Office Alarmed by Reports of Mass Executions in Khartoum

Geneva, 3 April 2025 — The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed deep shock today over credible reports of widespread extrajudicial killings of civilians in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) recapture of the city on 26 March.

In a statement issued by OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango, the UN office said it had reviewed “several horrifying videos” shared on social media platforms. These videos reportedly show armed men executing civilians in cold blood, in what appear to be deliberate and unlawful killings.

“We are deeply shocked by reports of widespread extrajudicial killings of civilians in Khartoum,” Magango said. “These acts constitute serious violations of international human rights law.”

The Human Rights Office further documented a disturbing increase in online hate speech and incitement to violence, noting that lists of individuals accused of cooperating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had been circulated, potentially putting their lives at risk.

Credible reports also indicated that civilians in several areas of Khartoum were summarily executed, apparently on mere suspicion of supporting the RSF. The UN called these developments deeply alarming and warned of the grave consequences of such actions.

“We urge the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate and concrete steps to halt these arbitrary killings,” the statement added.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Sudanese authorities to initiate prompt, independent, transparent, and effective investigations into the incidents, in accordance with international legal standards. He also stressed the need to hold those responsible to account.

“Failure to investigate and ensure accountability for these egregious violations will only embolden future abuses,” Türk warned.

The statement comes amid growing international concern about escalating violence and human rights abuses in Sudan, where conflict between the SAF and RSF has devastated large parts of the country since April 2023.

The OHCHR reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and supporting efforts to uphold human rights and accountability in Sudan.