On Sunday, the Sudanese army carried out a drone strike on a traditional court in the village of Garra al-Zawaya. The village is located in North Darfur and under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). At least 35 people were killed, according to a statement from Emergency Lawyers. The drone attack happened while civilians were in attendance at a local court session. The session was being held under a tree, with community leaders and others present to resolve disputes. The court building, which serves as a traditional institution for resolving local and tribal feuds, was also damaged in the strike, Emergency Lawyers said.
Casualties and response
The casualties included four tribal leaders and two commanders from the RSF. A local witness confirmed this to AFP under the condition of anonymity for safety. The RSF, which governs the area, condemned the attack as a 'horrific crime.' They claimed that 37 people had been killed and at least 50 others wounded. This information comes from their self-declared government. The Sudanese army has not yet commented on the allegations.
Drone warfare intensifies in Darfur
The village of Garra al-Zawaya is situated near Kabkabiya in North Darfur. It is approximately 150 kilometers west of El-Fasher. El-Fasher is a key city previously held by the Sudanese army. It was captured by the RSF in October through a violent offensive. The UN has raised concerns about the violence tied to the RSF's takeover of El-Fasher. They stated it shows 'the hallmarks of genocide.' Following their control of the city, the RSF solidified its dominance across the region. This includes through continued military operations.
Since the El-Fasher campaign, both the Sudanese army and the RSF have increasingly used drones in their battles. This tactic has led to significant civilian casualties. According to the UN, more than 1,000 civilians were killed in drone strikes during the first five months of this year. In the southern Kordofan region, particularly in El-Obeid, the number of drone strikes has surged. This prompted the UN to issue a 'red alert' over the impending 'catastrophe' in the area. The RSF has been accused of attempting to reimpose a blockade. They are suspected of preparing a ground assault.
RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Hemedti, released a video message last week urging his fighters to act 'unleashed' in their campaign against the Sudanese army. This statement followed the RSF's loss of a critical highway that connects the capital, Khartoum, to the city of El-Obeid. The recent military setbacks and rising violence highlight the growing instability in the region.
The ongoing conflict between Hemedti and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has already caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and triggered what the United Nations describes as the worst global hunger and displacement crisis. Both sides are accused of committing war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians. However, the RSF has been particularly criticized for its involvement in systematic sexual violence, looting, and mass atrocities.