At least 35 people lost their lives in a drone strike carried out by the Sudanese army targeting a traditional court session in northern Darfur, according to a local rights organisation.
The Emergency Lawyers Group, which tracks violence against civilians, reported that the attack took place in Ghara al-Zawiya village, an area under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Dozens more sustained injuries in the attack on Sunday afternoon.
A witness told AFP that the court session was held outdoors beneath a tree and involved local community leaders. Among the dead were four tribal elders and two RSF commanders.
According to a local resident quoted by Darfur 24, two drones flew over the village before launching over four missiles.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
The RSF controls much of Darfur amid an ongoing civil war that has lasted three years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions. The Sudanese army has not issued any statement regarding the strike.
Calls for Accountability
The Emergency Lawyers Group condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure breaches international humanitarian law. They urged for an independent investigation into the incident.
The group also highlighted the growing use of drones to target civilian gatherings, which increases risks to the population. The RSF has previously faced accusations of war crimes, including drone strikes on civilians. A UN fact-finding mission described last year’s RSF siege of el-Fasher as bearing "hallmarks of genocide," allegations the RSF denies.
