UN Condemns Drone Strike on Humanitarian Convoy in Sudan’s North Darfur
GENEVA – The United Nations Human Rights Office has strongly condemned a deadly drone strike on a UN humanitarian convoy in Sudan’s North Darfur region, labeling the attack a violation of international humanitarian law and a direct threat to civilian access to life-saving aid.
The convoy, delivering critical food and nutrition supplies to the besieged city of El Fasher, was struck on Monday in Al Koma, resulting in the deaths of five humanitarian workers. UN spokesperson Seif Magango described the aerial strike as “a severe blow to civilians in the besieged city” and stressed that it violated legal protections for humanitarian personnel and infrastructure.
In a separate incident, another drone attack—reportedly carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces—hit a crowded market in Al Koma, killing at least 15 civilians and injuring dozens more. The UN reported increasing instances of attacks by both sides of the conflict targeting civilian locations, including markets.
“We call on all parties to the conflict to urgently take effective measures to protect civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law,” Magango stated.
The UN also emphasized the need for independent investigations into both attacks and for holding those responsible accountable.
UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that the attacked convoy consisted of 15 trucks. Several trucks were destroyed, and essential humanitarian supplies were severely damaged. The agencies noted that the convoy’s route had been shared in advance with all armed actors on the ground, as per established procedures.
Humanitarian organizations continue to warn of a deepening crisis in El Fasher, where hundreds of thousands of people, including children, face rising risks of malnutrition and starvation amid ongoing violence and aid disruption.
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