Gezira State canal killings (2024–2025)

The Gezira State canal killings (2024–2025) were several attacks in Gezira, Sudan, aimed at civilians during the Sudanese civil war. A large number of bodies were discovered in irrigation canals and mass graves, mainly around and in Wad Madani. According to reports and investigations during late 2024 and early 2025, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias committed systematic killings, forced disappearances, and the dumping of bodies into waterways. The victims were mainly civilians, and the large Kanabi communities were deeply affected.

Background

In April 2023, the Sudanese civil war started between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). By late 2023, the war expanded into central Sudan affecting the Gezira state.[1] Wad Madani, the state's capital and major agriculture and administrative center, became a strategic location because of its population size, infrastructure, and transport routes.[2] On 11 January 2025, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced they had taken control of Wad Madani and areas around it after attacking the RSF.[3] They described it as a major win with great importance.[4][5] Shortly after the city was taken, reports began to come out about acts of violence targeting civilians who were accused of working with the RSF.[6]

Canal killings

According to reports, specifically a CNN and Lighthouse investigation published in 2025, dozens of bodies were discovered in irrigation canals connected to the Gezira Scheme, as well as mass graves.[6][7] Based on witnesses testimonies, satellite photos, and forensic evidence, there were indications that many victims had been killed by executions before being thrown in the canals and buried.[6] Investigators stated that the use of the canals was not accidental, but a systematic operation method, suggesting there was an effort in concealing the killings and bodies while scaring the local population, as residents reported they were not allowed to retrieve bodies or bury them in some areas.[6][7][8]

Victims

The investigation revealed that even though the victims were civilians from random backgrounds, the Kanabi communities were targeted more than others.[6][7][9] The Kanabi, who are non-Arab civilians, descendants of migrant farm workers who have suffered ongoing social and legal discrimination, were disproportionately targeted.[9][10][11] The killings were done during village raids and random arrests amid claims that residents were working with enemy forces.[6][7][12]

Alleged perpetrators

The investigations regarding these events point out that many of the killings were committed by units of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and militias working with them in Gezira State. Both survivors and witnesses reported arrests, killings, and the dumping of bodies by armed men wearing SAF uniforms or operating from areas controlled by the SAF. The SAF denies targeting civilians and has rejected allegations of such systematic killings.[6][7]

Discovery and investigation

The Canal Killings were brought to the public's attention following a joint investigation by CNN and Lighthouse Reports.[6][7][12] The investigation was based on eyewitness testimonies, location verified videos, satellite images, and forensic analysis showing patterns of killings and how bodies were disposed of. Following the publication, Human rights organizations stated these findings very disturbing, showing serious violations of international humanitarian laws.[11] The called for an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible.[11][12]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Sudan war: A simple guide to what is happening". www.bbc.com. 2025-11-13. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  2. ^ Shalaby, nayera. "Sudanese military captures Wad Madani, begins multi-front push toward Khartoum". Mada Masr. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  3. ^ Press, Associated (2025-01-11). "Sudan's army recaptures Wad Madani from rebel Rapid Support Forces". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  4. ^ "Sudanese army retakes key city in central Sudan". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  5. ^ "Sudan's armed forces retake strategic city from RSF – DW – 01/11/2025". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "Bodies in the canals". www.cnn.com. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "The Kanabi Killings". Lighthouse Reports. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
  8. ^ "DPG Media Privacy Gate". myprivacy.dpgmedia.nl. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
  9. ^ a b National, The. "Investigation reveals campaign of ethnically motivated atrocities by Al Burhan's troops in Sudan". The National. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
  10. ^ ""A war of atrocities" in Sudan". Operation Broken Silence. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
  11. ^ a b c "Sudan conflict taking more dangerous turn for civilians". OHCHR. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
  12. ^ a b c Fautré, Willy (2025-12-16). "SUDAN: "Bodies in the canals": CNN reveals SAF atrocities against non-Arab civilians | Human Rights Without Frontiers". Retrieved 2025-12-17.
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