SAR CONDEMNS FRESH REPORTS OF CIVILIAN KILLINGS, ATTACKS AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS ACROSS SUDAN.

The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) is deeply concerned by a series of reported incidents across North Kordofan, North Darfur, Blue Nile and South Darfur between 14 and 15 October 2026, involving the reported killing of civilians, attacks affecting civilian property, the death of a humanitarian worker, alleged torture and arbitrary detention, and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

In Abu Zaima, Hamrat al-Sheikh locality in North Kordofan State, five children were reportedly killed and their mother injured when an Antonov aircraft allegedly operated by the Sudanese Armed Forces struck a family home on 15 October. Emergency Lawyers reportedly said the home belonged to Jadallah Mohamed Jadallah and that several other houses were damaged or destroyed. The responsibility for the strike and the circumstances surrounding the alleged target have not been independently established.

The reported killing of five children in their home is particularly disturbing. International humanitarian law requires parties to an armed conflict to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. Civilians must not be made the object of attack, and all feasible precautions must be taken to minimize civilian harm. If the attack deliberately targeted civilians or civilian objects, or was carried out indiscriminately, it could amount to a serious violation of international humanitarian law and, where the legal elements are met, a war crime.

SAR is also concerned by the reported drone attack in the Furawiya area of North Darfur on the evening of 14 October. According to reports from local emergency sources, civilians travelling in vehicles carrying food supplies and other commercial goods were reportedly attacked by a drone. Reports differed on the number of casualties, with one account reporting one person killed and more than five injured, while another reported two deaths and eight injuries. Two vehicles were reportedly burned and three others damaged. The identity of the party responsible for the attack has not been established.

Civilian vehicles and commercial goods remain protected under international humanitarian law unless, and for such time as, they become military objectives. The fact that the vehicles were carrying food or commercial supplies does not, by itself, make them legitimate military targets. Any attack must therefore be assessed against the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack.

In Blue Nile State, SAR is further alarmed by the reported death of Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer Badr al-Din Omar Musa during bombardment in Um Darfa on 14 October. According to reports, he was working with emergency teams providing primary healthcare at a health center The Sudanese Red Crescent Society reportedly stated that his death brought the number of its volunteers killed since the beginning of the conflict in April 2023 to 25. The available information does not establish which party carried out the bombardment or whether the volunteer was deliberately targeted.

Humanitarian and medical personnel performing their functions must be respected and protected under international humanitarian law. Any attack affecting such personnel or the medical services they support must be properly investigated. Humanitarian workers should not become casualties of a conflict while carrying out essential work for communities already suffering from the war.

SAR is equally concerned by reports of the arrest of three residents of Al-Rusayris locality in Blue Nile State: Al-Rahil Younis Babiker, Al-Baqir Al-Amin Saad and Jabara Abdullah. According to Radio Dabanga, citing the Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative, the three men were reportedly taken away by a security body, with their families allegedly not informed of their whereabouts or the reason for their detention. The same source reported allegations that the men were blindfolded and may have been subjected to torture. Their current whereabouts, condition and the identity of the detaining authority have not been independently confirmed.

If substantiated, these allegations would raise serious concerns under international human rights law. Arbitrary arrest and detention are prohibited, while persons deprived of their liberty must be treated humanely and protected from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. If the authorities deliberately concealed the fate or whereabouts of the detainees, the circumstances could also raise concerns regarding enforced disappearance, subject to further verification.

SAR is also concerned about the emergency order reportedly issued in South Darfur by Salah Ahmed Ismail, known as Al-Mouj, head of the civil administration in the state. The order, reportedly issued for three months with the possibility of renewal, restricts the carrying of weapons in markets and public gatherings, firing weapons during celebrations, and publications or gatherings considered to incite hatred or racism. It reportedly also addresses news and publications authorities consider a threat to public security or likely to inflame racial tensions.

SAR recognizes the need for measures aimed at preventing violence and protecting civilians. However, restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be clearly grounded in law and meet the requirements of necessity and proportionality. Broad or unclear restrictions on news, publications and public gatherings could create a serious risk of arbitrary enforcement and may affect journalists, activists and members of the public exercising their fundamental rights.

The announcement of the order, by itself, does not establish that a human rights violation has occurred. A proper assessment will require examination of the full order, its legal basis and the manner in which it is enforced.

The Sudanese Alliance for Rights recalls that all parties to the conflict remain bound by their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians must remain a priority, regardless of their location, political affiliation or perceived association with any party to the conflict.

SAR calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately stop attacks that place civilians at risk and to strictly respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. We further call for independent, impartial and transparent investigations into the reported killing of the five children in Abu Zaima, the reported attack on civilian vehicles in Furawiya, the death of the Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer, and the reported detention and alleged torture of civilians in Blue Nile.

Those found responsible for unlawful attacks, torture, arbitrary detention or other serious violations must be held accountable. Victims and their families have the right to truth, justice and effective remedies.

The continued loss of civilian life and the suffering of communities across Sudan must not be normalized or treated as an unavoidable consequence of the conflict.

Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR)

16 October 2026