Sudan’s Deepening Crisis: Escalating Human Rights Violations and Civilian Suffering – ACJPS Monthly Report, October 2025
The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) has documented a sharp escalation of violence and widespread human rights violations across Sudan during October 2025. The month witnessed an alarming intensification of conflict in Darfur (particularly Al-Fashir), White Nile, Gedaref, and Khartoum, leaving civilians trapped in a cycle of fear, displacement, and deprivation.
Widespread Violations and Chemical Attacks
ACJPS monitoring revealed grave abuses including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence against women and girls, arbitrary arrests, and widespread looting. Hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure have been repeatedly targeted, crippling vital public services.
Reports received by ACJPS indicate that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) used chemical gases in parts of Darfur, causing convulsions, vomiting, and respiratory distress among civilians. If verified, these acts represent serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and may amount to war crimes.
Attacks on Civilians and Arbitrary Detentions
Drone strikes and heavy shelling have killed and injured dozens of civilians, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Numerous cases of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention were reported, particularly targeting human rights defenders, journalists, teachers, and lawyers. Several detainees reportedly died in custody due to medical neglect, reflecting a deliberate disregard for the right to life and humane treatment.
Humanitarian and Health Crisis
Sudan’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. Outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and dengue fever have spread across several regions, compounded by mass poisoning incidents linked to unregulated gold mining. Besieged areas face acute shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, with rising levels of malnutrition among children and the elderly
Impunity and the Call for Accountability
The ongoing atrocities and disregard for civilian life reflect a persistent climate of impunity. Despite repeated warnings and documentation by ACJPS and other human rights organizations, no meaningful steps have been taken to hold perpetrators accountable.
ACJPS calls on the international community and regional actors to:
Condemn ongoing violations and demand an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians.
Support independent investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Ensure unhindered humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas.
Prioritize justice, accountability, and protection of human rights as central pillars in any peace process.
The ACJPS October 2025 Human Rights Monitoring Report underscores the urgent need for international action to protect Sudan’s civilians and end the cycle of violence and impunity. The full
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