**UN Warns of Mounting Civilian Toll and Aid Disruptions Amid Escalating Drone Strikes in Sudan**
Drone strikes in Sudan are posing deadly risks to civilians and severely obstructing humanitarian operations in conflict-affected regions, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The warning, issued on Monday, followed a reported deadly strike in the village of Ghara al Zawiya in North Darfur state, which resulted in dozens of casualties, as detailed by the UN human rights office, OHCHR. International media reported that at least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured in Sunday afternoon’s drone strike, attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) targeting a traditional court.
The SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), its former allies, have been engaged in an ongoing conflict since April 2023.
OCHA reported that renewed drone attacks in recent days in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, have similarly endangered civilians, critical infrastructure, and aid operations. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that humanitarians are scaling up efforts to reach families affected by the conflict in North Kordofan and will utilize every opportunity to expand lifesaving aid in and around El Obeid. Fletcher called on all parties to de-escalate hostilities, protect civilians, and guarantee humanitarian access.
In light of the mounting needs, OCHA urged donors to increase financial support for the humanitarian response in Sudan. Approximately $1.2 billion of the $2.9 billion required for this year has been received to date.
Meanwhile, international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict continue. The UN and international partners, operating as the “Quintet”—which comprises the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the European Union—held consultations over the past week with Sudanese political leaders across the political spectrum.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York on Monday that the talks support an inclusive, Sudanese-led process. “Building on exploratory consultations held in Addis Ababa in June, the Quintet engaged Sudanese civilian political leaders in recent days,” Haq said, adding that discussions focused on proposals to advance the political process, including confidence-building measures.
Pekka Haavisto, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, continues to engage with all sides, urging them to make concrete commitments to de-escalation and enter into genuine dialogue to achieve a cessation of hostilities.
On Sunday, Haavisto spoke with Sudan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muhieddine Salem, to discuss recent developments, preparations for the Personal Envoy’s upcoming visit to Khartoum, and efforts to facilitate Sudanese national examinations for students in Chad, following Haavisto’s recent visit there. Haavisto is also maintaining engagement with RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, to discuss practical measures for de-escalation.
Haavisto is scheduled to travel to Türkiye this week to meet with national authorities and Sudanese stakeholders, including representatives of women and youth groups.
Article and image source: allafrica.com
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