On August 2, 2026, a drone strike targeted a traditional court session in Al-Zawiya Ghara village, located in North Darfur’s Sareif locality, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 individuals and injuring several others.
The Emergency Lawyers Group, an organisation monitoring civilian harm, attributed the attack to drones operated by the Sudanese Armed Forces. The court session was reportedly held outdoors under a tree and was attended by local civilians, including four tribal leaders and two commanders from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), all among the casualties.
A local witness told AFP that two drones circled the area before launching over four missiles at the site, causing significant damage to the court building, which serves both judicial and social roles in the community.
The village is predominantly under RSF control amid ongoing civil conflict between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces that erupted in April 2023. The Darfur region remains a major conflict zone, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced since the fighting began.
Calls for Accountability
The Emergency Lawyers Group condemned the strike as a grave breach of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. They have called for an independent investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and adherence to principles of distinction and proportionality in military operations.
The use of drones in targeting civilian gatherings has reportedly increased in the region, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The RSF itself has faced multiple allegations of war crimes, including drone strikes against civilians throughout the conflict.
