Arabic Media

August 22, 2023

Source: Al Rai (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: United Nations Accuse Sudanese Militia of Mass Abduction and Rape

The United Nations’ Human Rights office accused force allied with Sudanese government of mass abduction and rape of women and girls, acts it said could constitute war crimes:

• The UN report was based on victims and witnesses
• It called on Sudanese government to investigate allegation of sexual enslavement of 50 women after an attack on the village of Deribat in Jabal Marra last December
• The abducted women included young girls and were held for about a month
• The report concluded that the Sudanese government bore responsibility for the abuses committed by the official Popular Defense Forces militia and Abu Gasim faction.
• Sudanese Minister of Justice Mohamed Ali Al Mardhi dismissed out of hand all genocide and rape reports as a sign of jealousy and hate and doing the bidding of the United States against Sudan.

Meanwhile, an army course and camp residents said Sudanese forces surrounded and attacked Darfur’s most volatile camp to chase away rebels they say were behind recent attacks on police:

• The move on Kalima camp – home to 90,000 refugees – following two attacks on police posts that killed one policeman and injured 9
• Abu Sharrad, camp spokesperson, said 2,000 soldiers surrounded the camp by 6:00 am
• An army source said those who attacked the police posts were believed to be in Kalima camp where residents gave refuge to rebels before
• He also added this is an administrative operation to restore internal security and that the army was not involved; just the police

Source: Al Akhbar (Independent Lebanese daily with strong circulation)
Headline: Sudanese Forces Attack Refugee Camp in Darfur

an army course and camp residents said Sudanese forces surrounded and attacked Darfur’s most volatile camp to chase away rebels they say were behind recent attacks on police:

• The move on Kalima camp – home to 90,000 refugees – following two attacks on police posts that killed one policeman and injured 9
• Abu Sharrad, camp spokesperson, said 2,000 soldiers surrounded the camp by 6:00 am
• He added that the army opened fire but no word whether someone was killed or wounded
• An army source said those who attacked the police posts were believed to be in Kalima camp where residents gave refuge to rebels before
• He also added this is an administrative operation to restore internal security and that the army was not involved; just the police

Source: Al Jazeera
Headline: Janjaweed Militia Leader Musa Hilal Rejects War Crimes Accusations
By: Mohamed Fal

A three-minute long video report by Al Jazeera reporter Mohamed Fal who traveled to Hilal’s tribe and found very simple dwellings consistent with nomadic tribal living. 

The segment allowed Hilal to respond to some questions about his role in the crisis in Darfur and war crimes committed against the civilian population:

• Hilal rejected the accusations
• Questioned the wisdom of US sanctions against him: travel ban and asset freezing, given that he is of modest means
• He acknowledged that his tribe sided with Khartoum government against the rebel
• He considers the rebels traitors doing the bidding of foreign countries
• As for AU – UN hybrid force, he welcomed their presence if they were to provide peace, but
• Promised to take up arms against them if they were to impose the will of foreign governments

Read the above in Arabic.