Paramilitary Forces Kill More Than 100 Civilians in Southern Sudan

Introduction

Paramilitary forces killed more than 100 civilians in an attack on a city in southern Sudan on Thursday, according to an association of doctors, in the latest accusation of a large-scale atrocity of the country’s civil war.

Communication Cut Off

Communication with people in the city, Nahud, was largely cut off starting on Thursday, and the group’s claim could not be independently verified. Al Hadath, a Saudi news channel, said that 230 civilians had been killed, while Al Jazeera reported 19 dead and 37 wounded.

Rapid Support Forces Attack Nahud

The paramilitary fighters, called the Rapid Support Forces, said on Thursday that they had attacked Nahud, which had been held by the Sudanese military along a highway connecting territory it holds with Darfur — a western region that has become a stronghold for the Rapid Support Forces.

High Death Toll

At least 542 civilians have been killed in the region in just three weeks, the U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, said on Thursday, adding that the real toll is likely much higher.

• “The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds,” Türk said.
• “My fears are all the greater given the ominous warning by the R.S.F. of ‘bloodshed’ ahead of imminent battles.”

Atrocities and Massacre in Nahud

The doctors’ group, the Sudan Doctors Network, said that Rapid Support Forces fighters had carried out a “large-scale massacre” in Nahud on Thursday night, with 21 children and 15 women among the dead. The group said that the troops had also looted a medical supply warehouse, markets, pharmacies and a hospital.

Desperate Attempts to Reach Loved Ones

Abdallah Almana, a 29-year-old outside Sudan, said he had been desperately trying to reach his father in Nahud on Friday. “Yesterday, it was possible to reach out to people,” he said, “but today, everything just disappeared.”

• Almana heard of people breaking into houses and looting vehicles.
• He mentioned a cousin killed by a “random bullet.”

Videos Circulating on Social Media

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show at least one prominent Rapid Security Forces commander leading attacks in the city.

Siege on El Fasher

The assault “stripped the city of its last means of health care and halted medical services for many patients and injured individuals who rely on them,” the group said on social media.

• The toll did not include military personnel.
• It was likely to rise, the group added.

Continued Conflict

The war began as an alliance between the military and the Rapid Support Forces crumbled in 2023. The paramilitary group’s declaration of a parallel government, in the western and southern regions it controls, has raised fears of a long-term partition of the vast African nation along the lines of the disastrous split in Libya since 2011.

Wedaeli Chibelushi: The Mysterious Disappearance of Joshlin Smith

The Shocking Case

Joshlin Smith, a six-year-old girl from South Africa, went missing over a year ago, sparking a nationwide search and a wave of speculation. Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend and a friend, were recently convicted of kidnapping and trafficking the young girl.

The Trial

• Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were arrested after Joshlin disappeared from her home in Saldanha Bay.
• All three were found guilty of the charges, despite pleading not guilty.
• Joshlin’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding her case.

Explosive Allegations

During the trial, shocking allegations emerged, painting a disturbing picture of the events leading up to Joshlin’s disappearance. Witnesses and prosecutors revealed details that left the nation in disbelief.

• A friend of Kelly Smith claimed she had sold Joshlin to a traditional healer for her eyes and skin.
• A local pastor testified that Smith had discussed selling her children for a sum of money.

The Verdict

As the trial came to a close, South Africans awaited the judge’s verdict with bated breath. The case had captured the nation’s attention, shedding light on the dark underbelly of human trafficking and kidnapping.

The Aftermath

With the verdict delivered, the search for Joshlin continues, with hopes of finding her alive and bringing those responsible to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable children and the importance of safeguarding their well-being.

The case of Joshlin Smith is a tragic reminder of the harsh realities faced by many children around the world. As the search for her continues, the nation remains hopeful for her safe return and closure for her loved ones.

Kenyan Lawmaker Gunned Down in Nairobi

A Kenyan lawmaker, Charles Were, was tragically gunned down on a busy Nairobi street by a motorcycle-riding assassin on Wednesday evening. The police have described the attack as “targeted and premeditated.”

Details of the Attack

Mr. Were, who was serving a second term in Parliament, was in a vehicle stopped at a traffic light when he was killed. Witnesses reported that a person riding on the back of a motorcycle shot into the passenger side of Mr. Were’s car before fleeing with the driver.

Motive Unclear

At this point, a motive for the attack is not immediately clear. The police have stated that it is too early for them to provide additional details.

Calls for Investigation

President William Ruto of Kenya has called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He also expressed his condolences to Mr. Were’s family, emphasizing that those responsible must be held accountable.

Political Connections

Mr. Were was a member of the opposition party led by Raila Odinga, Mr. Ruto’s main rival in the previous general election. Mr. Odinga condemned the shooting as a “shockingly barbaric” gangland-style execution.

Challenges in Kenya

Kenya, known for its relative stability in a volatile region, has faced challenges in recent years. Frustration with the government, including protests against a tax increase, has led to tensions and incidents of violence.

Economic Promises and Criticisms

Mr. Ruto, a wealthy businessman turned politician, campaigned on a platform of improving the economy for Kenyans. However, critics argue that progress has been slow and the promised improvements have not materialized.

In conclusion, the assassination of Charles Were has sent shockwaves through Kenya, highlighting the ongoing challenges and tensions within the country’s political landscape.