A new report by Human Rights Watch warns that civilians across the Horn and East Africa are facing escalating war crimes, widespread abuses, and shrinking civic space as governments and armed groups act with near-total impunity. In its World Report 2026, Human Rights Watch documents grave violations in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, and other countries, where conflicts and political repression have severely undermined civilian protection, free expression, and democratic processes.

"Brutal attacks against civilians by unaccountable military forces and armed groups are becoming normalized in the Horn and East Africa,” said Mausi Segun, executive Africa director at Human Rights Watch. She urged regional and international actors to impose targeted sanctions on abusive commanders and support accountability mechanisms.

Sudan: Civilians Deliberately Targeted

The report highlights widespread laws-of-war violations in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces are accused of deliberately attacking civilians, destroying infrastructure, and conducting indiscriminate bombardments.

Human Rights Watch documented mass killings, attacks on displacement camps, and the siege of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. When RSF forces captured key areas, they reportedly carried out widespread executions and looting.

South Sudan: Renewed Conflict and Election Delays

In South Sudan, renewed fighting in Upper Nile state has led to hundreds of civilian deaths. Government aircraft allegedly dropped incendiary weapons on populated areas, actions that may amount to war crimes.

Following another postponement of national elections, authorities tightened restrictions on fundamental freedoms, arresting opposition leaders and suppressing dissent.

Ethiopia: War Crimes and Media Crackdown

Government forces and allied Fano militia in Ethiopia’s Amhara region committed war crimes and other serious abuses, the report states. Meanwhile, Eritrean troops continue to abuse civilians in areas of Ethiopia’s Tigray region under their control.

With national elections scheduled for June 2026, Ethiopian authorities have targeted journalists, closed independent media outlets, and introduced legal measures that further restrict civil society.

Repression Around Elections in East Africa

Across East Africa, governments intensified crackdowns on protests and political opposition:

• In Kenya, security forces used lethal force against demonstrators.

• In Tanzania and Uganda, authorities jailed opposition figures, restricted media, and violently dispersed protests ahead of elections.

• Tanzania imposed nationwide internet restrictions during election-related demonstrations.

• Uganda reinstated military trials for civilians despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring them unconstitutional.

Regional Bodies Fail to Act

Human Rights Watch criticized the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for failing to take meaningful action to protect civilians or hold perpetrators accountable, despite their mandates.

Call for Accountability

Human Rights Watch called on concerned governments to:

• Impose targeted sanctions on abusive military and militia leaders.

• Support independent media and civil society organizations.

• Strengthen international investigative and accountability mechanisms.

The organization warned that without decisive international action, patterns of mass atrocities and political repression will continue to deepen across the region.

By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist