The continuing conflict in Sudan has manifested in devastating ways, underscoring the tragic toll on civilians amid escalating violence. Recently, an airstrike on a bustling market in North Kordofan claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals, a staggering reminder of the humanitarian cost of the ongoing struggle. This incident crystallizes the urgent need for a renewed focus on protecting civilians in the midst of escalating hostilities, as both sides of the conflict intensify their military strategies.
Drone-fired missiles struck the al-Safiya market in Sodari, North Kordofan, on Sunday, tragically killing at least 28 people and injuring many others, according to the rights group Emergency Lawyers. The attack occurred during a busy time when the market was filled with civilians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Emergency Lawyers noted that the casualty count could rise as the incident is still under investigation.
“This attack unfolded when the market was teeming with civilians, including women, children, and the elderly,” the organization stated. The escalation of drone usage in populated areas reflects a serious disregard for civilian safety and signifies a worrying trend that threatens the remnants of everyday life in the province. The group has called for an immediate cessation of drone strikes from both factions engaged in the conflict.
Currently, the Kordofan region is a key battleground in the ongoing warfare between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sodari, strategically located along desert trade routes, lies approximately 230 kilometers (132 miles) northwest of el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF has been attempting to encircle for an extended period. This region has seen a significant increase in drone attacks as both combatants vie for control over vital corridors linking the RSF-held Darfur region to army-controlled areas, including the capital, Khartoum.
After solidifying its grip on Darfur last year, the RSF has advanced eastward through the resource-rich Kordofan region, aiming to dominate Sudan’s central trade routes. Emergency Lawyers reported that the drones responsible for the recent market strike were likely operated by the army. However, military sources, who requested anonymity due to restrictions, denied any accusations of targeting civilian infrastructure.
The violence in Sudan has tragically escalated since the conflict erupted into full-scale war in April 2023. Estimates suggest that over 40,000 lives have been lost and around 12 million people displaced due to the fighting, with aid organizations warning that the actual figures could be much higher given the challenges of accessing remote areas. The United Nations human rights chief has classified the Kordofan region as a “volatile focus of hostilities,” signifying the ongoing struggle for power between the conflicting parties.
Both the RSF and the Sudanese military have faced accusations of committing horrific acts during this conflict. According to a recent UN report, over 6,000 individuals were killed during just three days of brutal violence in late October when the RSF launched an offensive in Darfur. The assault on el-Fasher involved numerous atrocities that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, as detailed by the UN’s findings.
The ongoing conflict has not only created one of the world’s largest crises related to hunger and displacement, but it has also effectively divided Sudan into two, with the army exerting control over the northern, central, and eastern regions, while the RSF governs the west and portions of the south. As the violence continues, it is imperative that the international community focuses on humanitarian assistance and the protection of innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
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