Over 100 Dead in Sudan Following RSF Drone Strikes on Kindergarten and Hospital
More than 100 people, including 63 children, have been killed in a series of drone strikes in Sudan's South Kordofan state, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its ally, Abdelaziz al-Hilu’s faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N), have been blamed for the attacks that hit a kindergarten and the entrance of a hospital, causing extensive damage.
Background
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Army, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of nearly 12 million people. The country is currently experiencing its worst humanitarian crisis, with six million people facing starvation, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Recently, a WFP convoy was attacked in North Kordofan, injuring the driver and damaging the vehicle. This and other similar incidents have threatened the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to the region.
The Strikes
The strikes occurred last week in the town of Kalogi, South Kordofan. The kindergarten was hit first, followed by the entrance to a hospital, where parents and caretakers were rushing the wounded. The WHO reports that the strikes continued at least three times, causing 114 casualties, including 63 children, and injuring 35 others.
In contrast, the Sudan Doctors Network stated that the attack killed 50 people, including 33 children, but suggested that the final death toll is likely to be higher.
Reactions and Implications
The international community has expressed shock and condemnation over the brutal attack, especially as it targeted vulnerable civilians, including children. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the attacks as senseless
on social media.
Communities in the Nuba Mountains have announced a state of general mobilization to confront these violations. Reported abuses include forced displacement to facilitate foreign fighter occupation of South Kordofan, restrictions on citizen movement, arbitrary arrests in inhumane conditions, and the rape and sale of women.
Furthermore, the RSF stands accused of sexual violence with the Sudan Doctors Network reporting that 19 women, two of whom were pregnant, were raped by the RSF in el-Fasher. These allegations serve to intensify the growing international concern over the situation in Sudan.
Current Status
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Army shows no signs of abating, raising fears of further civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions. The drone strikes and their aftermath continue to highlight the urgent need for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Sudan, as well as improved security for humanitarian aid workers.