Unknown Fate of Dozens of Families Inside the 22nd Infantry Division in Babanusa
The Sudan Doctors Network expressed deep concern over the unknown fate of dozens of families and children who had sought refuge inside the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division of the Sudanese Army in the city of Babanusa, West Kordofan State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Network said it is closely monitoring the field developments in Babanusa, where violent clashes have taken place between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The statement added: “The statement added: “These clashes jeopardize the lives of dozens of children and women who had previously sought refuge inside the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters after the RSF overran the city more than a year ago.”
The Network referred to video footage published by RSF-aligned elements showing a large number of women and children who were taking refuge inside the division’s buildings, appearing in a dire humanitarian situation.
The Sudan Doctors Network called for ensuring their safety, protecting them, and relocating them to a secure area without harming them or subjecting them to forced detention on allegations related to their relatives’ affiliation with the army. The statement also urged the opening of safe corridors to evacuate the families and provide them with humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, the Network called on the international community to fully assume its responsibilities toward civilians and victims of the war in Babanusa, provide essential humanitarian support to those affected, pressure RSF leaders to evacuate the families to areas far from the clashes, and ensure they receive sufficient care to guarantee their safety.
On Monday, the RSF militia announced in an official statement that it had taken full control of the 22nd Infantry Division headquarters in Babanusa.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Sudanese Armed Forces said they had repelled the militia’s attack on Babanusa, without providing any clarification on the fate of the 22nd Infantry Division or the city as a whole.