At Least 50 Die in Drone Strikes on Nursery in South Sudan
A drone strike in South Kordofan state, southern Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, including 33 children. The attack on a nursery in the town of Kalogi is attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have reportedly targeted paramedics in a subsequent assault.
Emergency Response Targeted
According to the Sudan Doctors’ Network, emergency responders were among those attacked during a so-called secondary strike. Rights group Emergency Lawyers has identified a third civilian site near the initial strikes that was also targeted, raising serious concerns about the escalating violence in the region.
The lack of communication due to ongoing blackouts has hindered efforts to ascertain the complete number of casualties, leading estimates to suggest that the death toll could rise.
International Condemnation and Call for Immediate Action
Emergency Lawyers characterised the attacks as blatant violations of international humanitarian law, particularly concerning the protection of civilians, especially children, and essential infrastructure. UNICEF has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and demanded safe passage for humanitarian aid.
Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative for Sudan, condemned the killings, stating, “Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children’s rights. Children should never pay the price of conflict.”
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
This drone strike is among the most recent incidents in a two-year conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military, which has seen violence intensify in the oil-rich Kordofan states. Hundreds of civilians have lost their lives in recent weeks as battles have shifted from the Darfur region, coupled with reports of extreme human rights abuses, including executions and sexual violence.
While thousands have managed to flee the escalating violence, many remain trapped, with fears that the casualties could be significantly higher than currently reported.
Escalation of Military Actions
In additional military actions over the weekend, Sudanese aerial strikes reportedly killed at least 48 people, primarily civilians, in South Kordofan. Meanwhile, the RSF has accused the military of conducting drone strikes near the border with Chad, posting related footage. Verification of this video and its casualties has yet to occur, and the military has remained silent on the matter.
Background
The conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s military has been ongoing since 2023, leading to over 40,000 fatalities, as reported by the World Health Organisation. The real number may be even higher. The crisis has also displaced roughly 12 million people, making it one of the most urgent humanitarian emergencies worldwide.
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