The United Nations announced on Thursday that a mass grave containing the bodies of numerous individuals, allegedly killed by Sudanese paramilitary forces and a militia group, has been discovered in West Darfur.

Based on “credible information” obtained by the U.N. Human Rights Office, it is reported that at least 87 people, including members of the Masalit tribe, were victims of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and an associated Arab militia.

The bodies were found in a grave located just outside the city of Geneina in West Darfur, according to the agency’s statement, NBC News has reported.

Sudan has been experiencing significant violence since mid-April, when tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces escalated into open conflict.

Over the course of the 12-week conflict, Darfur has emerged as a focal point of ethnic violence, with the paramilitary forces and allied Arab militias targeting the Masalit and other African ethnic groups.

Written by staff