US demands accountability over ‘horrific’ Sudan village attack

The United States on Friday condemned Sudanese paramilitary forces’ “horrific” attack that killed more than 100 people in a village as it urged accountability and a resumption of ceasefire talks.

“The United States condemns the horrific attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on unarmed civilians,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

“Attacks on civilians throughout Sudan must stop now. There can be no military victory in this war,” he said in a statement.

The RSF, which has been at war with the regular army since April 2023, on Wednesday attacked the central village of Wad Al-Noura in Al-Jazira state with heavy artillery, according to democracy activists.

The activists shared footage of what it said was a mass grave and gave a death toll of at least 104.

The United States and Saudi Arabia brought together the warring forces for talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah shortly after the outbreak of the violence, producing a temporary humanitarian ceasefire agreement that quickly collapsed.

US diplomats have been pushing for months for a return to talks but have made little headway.

“Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces must ensure the protection of civilians and hold accountable anyone within their ranks who is responsible for war crimes or violations of the Jeddah Declaration,” Miller said.