Date: 4 February 2025
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) strongly condemns the horrific airstrikes carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Nyala, South Darfur, on 2 and 3 February 2025, which led to the deaths of at least 24 civilians and injuries to more than 27 others, including women and children. These attacks constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The airstrikes targeted civilian areas, including the neighborhoods of Tayba and Al-Sika Hadid, and key locations such as Makkah Eye Hospital, Cinema roundabout, and Al-Nour Charity Hospital. The use of explosive barrels in densely populated areas caused widespread destruction, leaving many civilians with severe injuries and devastating losses. These actions clearly violate the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law, which obligates parties in conflict to distinguish between military targets and civilian populations.
Furthermore, the attacks on medical facilities are in direct contravention of the protections afforded to such institutions under the Geneva Conventions and customary international law. The deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, is a flagrant violation of the established rules governing armed conflict.
SAR extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and calls for urgent humanitarian support to assist those affected by this senseless violence. We demand the immediate cessation of attacks on civilian areas and the protection of all individuals, particularly women, children, and human rights defenders, in conflict zones.
SAR demands the creation of a non-flying zone over South Darfur to prevent further airstrikes and calls for the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect civilians from these aerial attacks. The Sudanese Armed Forces must be held accountable for its continuous violations of international law, and those responsible for the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure must be brought to justice.
SAR stands in solidarity with the people of South Darfur and all those suffering as a result of these ongoing attacks. We call for an end to the violence and for comprehensive measures to ensure the protection of human rights and the well-being of all civilians in Sudan.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR)