The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has entered its fourth year, with a concerning rise in the use of armed drones. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, strongly condemned the increasing use of these weapons, citing them as the leading cause of civilian deaths in the conflict.
Türk emphasized the impact of armed drones on civilian populations, stating that their use allows hostilities to continue even during the upcoming rainy season, when ground operations typically slow down. He warned of the potential for further violence in the coming weeks as parties seek to gain control of territories, leading to more displacement and disruptions to humanitarian aid.
The Kordofan region has been the epicenter of drone strikes, with a significant number of civilian casualties reported between January and April. Recent incidents in Al Quz and El Obeid resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to others. Civilian objects and infrastructure, including markets and health facilities, have been repeatedly targeted, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The use of drones has expanded beyond Kordofan and Darfur to other regions such as Blue Nile, White Nile, and Khartoum. A recent strike on Khartoum International Airport disrupted all flights, while targeted attacks in Khartoum and Omdurman have raised concerns about the return of hostilities to the capital. Türk highlighted the risks faced by civilians in SAF-controlled cities like El Obeid and Dilling, which have been under siege-like conditions.
The escalation of violence not only poses a threat to civilian lives but also impacts humanitarian access in the region. Türk expressed concerns about the potential disruption of humanitarian operations, which are vital for providing assistance to those affected by the conflict. The international community has been put on notice to take immediate action to prevent the conflict from entering a new, deadlier phase.
As the conflict in Sudan continues to intensify, urgent measures are needed to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and bring an end to the use of armed drones in the region. The situation in Sudan remains precarious, with the lives of millions of people at risk due to the ongoing violence and displacement caused by the conflict.
