The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) condemns the reported killing of civilian Abdullah Ibrahim Dageel and the injury of his brother during an armed robbery on the road linking Al Faid and Tandak in the Hadaba area of South Kordofan on 25 October 2026.
According to information reported by Darfur24, Abdullah Ibrahim Dageel and his brother were returning from Tandak market to Al Faid in a tuk-tuk when an armed group reportedly ambushed them. Abdullah was reportedly killed at the scene, while his brother was injured near the Al Ain area. The attackers reportedly stole money from the victims and damaged their means of transport. Abdullah’s body was subsequently buried in Tandak, while his injured brother was taken to Rashad Hospital and later transferred to Kosti for further medical treatment.
The incident is particularly concerning because it reportedly occurred along a route that has experienced another armed robbery in recent weeks. On 9 October, Darfur24 reported that 11 civilians travelling along the Tandak–Al Faid road were intercepted and robbed by an armed group, with one person reportedly sustaining injuries. The recurrence of such attacks raises serious concerns about the safety of civilians travelling between communities and markets in South Kordofan and requires urgent attention from those responsible for civilian protection.
SAR is deeply concerned that civilians continue to face violence while carrying out ordinary activities such as travelling to markets, earning a livelihood, transporting goods and returning home. The reported killing of Abdullah Ibrahim Dageel and injury of his brother demonstrate the grave consequences of the continuing breakdown of civilian protection and security along roads and commercial routes in Kordofan.
Civilians must be able to travel between communities and access markets and essential goods without being exposed to armed attacks, robbery or unlawful violence. The repeated reports of attacks along the same route risk further restricting civilian movement, disrupting local trade and deepening insecurity for communities already affected by Sudan’s prolonged conflict.
Where the attack is connected to the ongoing armed conflict, the killing of civilians and violence against persons taking no active part in hostilities may constitute violations of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits murder and violence against persons not actively participating in hostilities. The unlawful taking or destruction of civilian property may also violate applicable rules of international humanitarian law protecting civilian property. If the incident is determined to be unrelated to the armed conflict, the killing, assault and robbery remain serious criminal acts requiring investigation and prosecution under applicable Sudanese law.
SAR stresses that the identity and affiliation of the armed group responsible for the attack have not been independently established. No armed actor should therefore be attributed responsibility without credible evidence.
SAR calls for an immediate, independent and impartial investigation into the killing of Abdullah Ibrahim Dageel, the injury of his brother, the reported theft of their money and the destruction of their means of transport. The investigation should establish the circumstances of the attack, identify those responsible and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with applicable law.
SAR further urges authorities and all actors exercising control or influence in South Kordofan to take immediate and effective measures to protect civilians using roads connecting communities and markets. This should include strengthening civilian protection along routes where repeated attacks have been reported and ensuring that incidents are promptly investigated and documented.
The continued failure to protect civilians from repeated armed attacks risks normalising violence against people simply seeking to travel, trade and support their families. SAR calls on all relevant actors to take concrete measures to restore civilian safety and ensure that those responsible for attacks against civilians do not act with impunity.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights stands with the family of Abdullah Ibrahim Dageel and his injured brother and calls for justice, accountability and stronger protection of civilians across Sudan.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR),
28 October 2026