Sudan Army Drone Strike Kills 35 in Darfur Court

Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in a drone strike carried out by the Sudanese army during a traditional court session in Ghara al-Zawiya village, a region under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This tragic incident took place on a Sunday afternoon, according to information from a local rights organization.

The Emergency Lawyers Group, which specializes in monitoring violence against civilians, reported that many others were injured in the attack. Eyewitnesses provided accounts of the court being held outdoors, with participation from local community leaders.

Among the deceased were four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders, underscoring the devastating impact of the strike. A local resident recounted seeing two drones fly over the village before unleashing more than four missiles on the gathering.

In response to the attack, the Emergency Lawyers Group called for a thorough investigation and condemned the targeting of civilians, labeling it a “grave violation of international humanitarian law.” The group also highlighted the increasing use of drones to attack civilian populations, exacerbating the already dire risks civilians face in the area.

The RSF, which has been implicated in multiple war crimes, including drone attacks on civilians throughout the ongoing three-year civil war, has denied these accusations. The brutal conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced millions to flee their homes.

International leaders have expressed alarm over the situation, fearing further atrocities may occur as the RSF appears poised to escalate operations, notably in key cities like el-Fasher, which has been under siege-like conditions for the past 18 months. Past reports from a UN fact-finding mission indicated that the RSF’s siege and attacks bear the hallmark of genocide.

The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments as calls for accountability continue to grow in light of the ongoing violence.