The Sudanese Alliance for Rights strongly condemns the horrific drone attack carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, on the road linking Al-Fula and Abu-Zabad cities in West Kordofan State.
According to preliminary information, the attack targeted a civilian bus transporting women and children who were traveling to offer condolences. The strike reportedly killed more than 40 civilians, the majority of whom were women and children.
This attack occurred while families were already in mourning. For many communities in Kordofan, years of conflict have already taken loved ones, destroyed homes, and forced people to live with repeated loss and hardship. The victims of this attack were themselves traveling to grieve and offer comfort to others who had lost someone. Instead, they became victims of yet another devastating tragedy. No community should be forced to endure such repeated cycles of loss while simply trying to mourn their dead and support one another.
The tragedy is made even more painful by the fact that it occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, a time traditionally devoted to compassion, reflection, and community solidarity. Instead, civilians continue to face violence and loss during what should be a period of peace and spiritual observance. This incident is not isolated but part of a pattern of repeated attacks affecting civilians in recent days.
This attack constitutes a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the core protections afforded to civilians during armed conflict. In particular, it violates the principle of distinction under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, which requires all parties to a conflict to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants and to direct attacks only against military objectives. It also violates the principle of proportionality, which prohibits attacks expected to cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the anticipated military advantage, as well as the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks. Furthermore, such acts contravene Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which protects civilians and persons not taking part in hostilities from violence to life and person.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights calls for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into this attack and urges that those responsible for ordering and carrying out the strike be held accountable.
The Alliance further calls for stronger measures to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure across Sudan and urges the international community to give urgent attention to the ongoing violations affecting civilians in conflict-affected regions.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the communities affected by this tragedy. Civilians who are already living through the pain of war must not be forced to endure further suffering while simply trying to mourn their loved ones.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights reaffirms its commitment to documenting violations and advocating for accountability, protection of civilians, and justice for all victims of the conflict in Sudan.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights
10 March 2026
