Ghara Al-Zawiya, Sudan (Running Africa) — At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured after a suspected Sudanese army drone strike targeted a traditional court session in Ghara Al-Zawiya village in North Darfur, according to the Emergency Lawyers Group.
The village is controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had not commented on the allegations at the time of publication.
If confirmed, the attack would mark another deadly escalation in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, where the increasing use of drones has raised growing concerns over civilian protection.
Traditional Court Session Hit During Gathering
Witnesses said community leaders had gathered under a tree for a customary court session when multiple missiles were fired at the meeting.
Local reports indicated that those killed included four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders, alongside other civilians attending the gathering.
The full circumstances surrounding the attack could not be independently verified.
Rights Group Calls for Independent Investigation
The Emergency Lawyers Group condemned the strike as a potential violation of international humanitarian law, urging an independent investigation into the incident.
The organization warned that the growing use of armed drones in Sudan’s conflict is increasing the risk to civilians and called on all parties to respect international laws governing armed conflict.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over attacks on civilian gatherings since the war began.
Sudan’s Civil War Continues to Worsen
Sudan has remained engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces following a power struggle over the country’s political transition.
The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
War Crimes Allegations Persist
The latest incident comes amid continuing international scrutiny of the conflict.
The RSF has faced repeated accusations of war crimes, including attacks on civilians and its prolonged siege of El Fasher, where United Nations investigators have said the violence has shown indicators of genocide.
At the same time, rights organizations have urged all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and comply with international humanitarian law, warning that accountability remains essential to any future peace process.
As fighting continues across Sudan, humanitarian agencies fear the escalating use of drones and other advanced weaponry could further increase civilian casualties and deepen the country’s already devastating humanitarian crisis.
