UN expert criticises bias in Sudanese investigation committee

A UN human rights expert has criticized the Sudanese investigation committee for failing to adequately address abuses committed by the country's armed forces, raising concerns over the committee's transparency and impartiality. Radhouane Nouicer, the UN expert on Sudan, stated that the committee had documented tens of thousands of cases, but most of them were related to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with only a few hundred involving members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

This imbalance has raised questions about the "transparency and fairness" of the committee investigating human rights violations during Sudan's ongoing civil war. The conflict between the SAF, led by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, and the RSF, led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo, has resulted in widespread abuses against civilians, with the war sparking allegations of war crimes.

Arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture are among the growing concerns, with many people being held on allegations of cooperating with the opposing side. Nouicer also highlighted the changing nature of breaches as the war expanded, noting the increased use of aircraft and drones, which have led to over 1,000 deaths since 2026.

The UN has repeatedly warned of escalating attacks on civilians, and recent reports suggest the SAF may have used chemical weapons and foreign-supplied drones, further complicating efforts to end the conflict.