The Sudanese Alliance for Rights strongly condemns the brutal killing and injuring of civilians—including women and children—by armed individuals wearing Sudanese Armed Forces uniforms on 29 June 2025 in the Al-Thawra neighbourhood of Omdurman, Khartoum State. The incident, which involved the interception and attack on a public transport vehicle near Attiya Bridge, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries after the assailants opened fire, causing the vehicle to overturn.
This heinous act, carried out in a non-combat zone firmly under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces and their allied units, is a grave violation of both international humanitarian law and human rights law. The targeting of civilians constitutes a serious breach of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits violence to life and person—including murder and cruel treatment—of civilians not taking part in hostilities. It also violates Articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Sudan is a state party, guaranteeing the right to life and the protection from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Moreover, the use of military uniforms to commit armed robbery and extrajudicial killings violates the principles of distinction and accountability under international law. These principles require armed actors to distinguish themselves from civilians and ensure that military authority is not used as a cover for criminal acts. The failure of Sudanese authorities to investigate this incident and hold perpetrators accountable is a violation of their obligations under international customary law and under Article 2(3) of the ICCPR, which requires states to ensure an effective remedy for rights violations.
Despite clear indicators of the perpetrators’ identities, Sudanese authorities have failed to take any steps to investigate or pursue justice. This silence is unacceptable and part of a broader pattern of impunity for grave crimes across the country.
We call for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into this incident, with the aim of identifying and prosecuting those responsible. We also urge the Sudanese Armed Forces to clarify the conduct and status of personnel operating in Omdurman, ensure the protection of civilians, and demilitarise public spaces not involved in active hostilities.
We further call on the African Union, United Nations, and international human rights mechanisms to condemn this attack, closely monitor abuses committed under the guise of military authority, and support the protection of civilians in Sudan.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights
Date: 1 July 2025
