Have mass graves been found in Khartoum State?

Synopsis
The recent discovery of mass graves in Sudan has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the region. With the revelation of <b>465 dead</b> and allegations of inhumane conditions, this situation underscores the devastating impact of ongoing conflict in Sudan, prompting calls for accountability and support for affected families.
Key Takeaways
- The Sudanese Armed Forces found mass graves with 465 bodies.
- 648 civilians were detained, with many dying from neglect.
- Inhumane conditions were reported among detainees.
- The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant casualties.
- The situation demands international attention and accountability.
Khartoum, May 23 (NationPress) The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have disclosed the revelation of mass graves containing the remains of 465 individuals in the Al-Salha region, situated to the south of Omdurman city. This announcement comes just two days after the SAF proclaimed the complete clearance of Khartoum State from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement released on its Facebook page, the SAF stated, "During recent clearing operations in southern Omdurman, the armed forces stumbled upon mass graves and also discovered civilians and retired members of the regular forces who had been imprisoned by the militia and confined within a school in the Salha area, where they were exploited as human shields under inhumane conditions."
The statement further detailed, "A total of 648 civilians had been detained, among whom 465 perished due to negligence, including the absence of food, medical care, and essential medicines. The deceased were interred in mass graves, with some sites containing over 27 bodies."
Additionally, the SAF released footage on its Facebook page showcasing detainees held within a school in Al-Salha, alongside visuals of the mass graves discovered on the school premises, according to the Xinhua news agency.
A doctor who was one of the detainees reported, "The total number of detainees was approximately 648, and a significant number succumbed due to lack of food, medicine, and the outbreak of diseases such as cholera."
On May 20, the Sudanese army declared the full liberation of Khartoum State following the recovery of the last remaining RSF strongholds in the western and southern segments of Omdurman.
In late March, the RSF indicated it had repositioned its forces towards the southern and western areas of Omdurman, specifically in the Al-Salha and the villages of Al-Jamoiya, after withdrawing from most regions of Khartoum State.
The Al-Salha area and surrounding villages of Al-Jamoiya later became battlegrounds for intense clashes between the Sudanese army and RSF forces.
Volunteers and human rights advocates have accused the RSF of committing severe violations against civilians in southwestern Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the SAF and the RSF.
This war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has forced millions to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across its borders.