UN Expresses Concern Over Drone Strikes Across Sudan

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over a recent wave of drone attacks across several states in Sudan that have reportedly caused significant civilian casualties.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that the organization is “very alarmed” by the strikes, which have occurred in multiple regions over the past few days.

According to humanitarian reports, drone strikes on Saturday in the localities of Abu Zabad and Wad Banda in West Kordofan State struck a marketplace, possibly killing more than 20 people and leaving many others injured.

In neighbouring North Kordofan State, more than 20 people were reportedly killed in the village of Umm Kereidim on Friday. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also reported that the violence forced more than 200 residents to flee their homes.

Further violence was reported on Sunday in East Darfur State, where a strike on a fuel market in the city of Ad Duyain allegedly killed seven civilians, including a pregnant woman and a child.

Dujarric reiterated the UN’s call for all parties involved in the conflict to comply with international law, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure; such as markets, homes and schools — must never be targeted.

He also urged that humanitarian assistance be allowed to reach affected populations quickly, safely and without obstruction.