The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) has noted an escalating destruction of civilian infrastructure in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. According to the alliance’s follow-up reports, due to the power outages in the capital Khartoum, significant damage has occurred to the infrastructure, particularly to “electricity and water” facilities, in addition to repeated thefts of “furnace oil” used in electricity and water transformers. In addition, copper cables have been stolen from transformer stations and sub-stations.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to the alliance reported that criminal gangs, dressed in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) uniforms, are behind these criminal activities. The eyewitnesses confirmed that these criminal groups have stolen from several water and electricity stations. The Alliance has documented the theft of the power transformer of the (31) Water Station in southern Khartoum, the Bashair Hospital station, the Schools Street station, and several others. The thefts also involved the stealing of oil and copper from the stations.
Under the Geneva Conventions, the protection of civilian objects and facilities falls under the responsibility of the authority controlling the area. The controlling authority is obligated to safeguard and protect such facilities, especially those linked to the lives and safety of citizens. According to the Geneva Conventions, the RSF bears full responsibility for the protection of civilian objects and facilities under its control.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) – 31 January, 2025