UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Condemns Bombing and Airstrikes on Civilian Areas

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The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed concern over the protection of civilians following airstrikes and shelling that resulted in significant civilian casualties in parts of Darfur and Khartoum State over the past week.

In a statement released on Tuesday, she noted that areas including Khartoum, El Fasher, Kuma, Kabkabiya, Kutum, and Nyala experienced dozens of airstrikes and artillery exchanges during the past week. These attacks caused numerous civilian casualties and led to the destruction of homes, markets, and medical facilities.

“This wave of widespread and devastating violence against civilians underscores the urgent need for immediate de-escalation,” Salami stated. “After 20 months of conflict, the rising toll of dead and injured is unacceptable. International humanitarian law must be respected.”

She highlighted a specific incident on December 13, 2024, where drone strikes reportedly targeted the facilities of the Al-Fasher Saudi Hospital, causing severe damage and injuring civilians. Additionally, between December 10 and 15, 2024, multiple shelling incidents were reported in Zamzam Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), resulting in civilian casualties, the burning of homes, and the displacement of hundreds due to heightened security fears.

Salami called for adherence to “principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attacks at all times.” She stressed that “armed groups operating near or within populated areas, including IDP and refugee camps, pose direct threats to civilians and hinder the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid.”

“Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must be spared at all costs in this conflict,” she added. “I urge an immediate cessation of hostilities and the provision of safe passage for civilians seeking to flee to destinations of their choice.”