Statement by the Sudanese Alliance for Rights Condemning Airstrikes on Civilians in Al-Kuma, North Darfur

The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) strongly condemns the three recent airstrikes carried out by the Sudanese Army on Al-Kuma city, North Darfur, on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. These attacks, which targeted the city’s market and surrounding residential areas, resulted in the tragic death of Adam Jibril Adam Basi and the destruction of several shops and homes.

Eyewitnesses, speaking to SAR, reported that the airstrikes specifically targeted the city’s market, with several explosive barrels being dropped during the attack. This indiscriminate bombardment not only caused loss of life but also destroyed livelihoods, leaving families without shelter and economic stability.

This airstrike marks the 102nd attack on Al-Kuma since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The deliberate targeting of civilian spaces violates several international laws, including:

1. Geneva Conventions (1949) and their Additional Protocols: These attacks breach the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which prohibit direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects during armed conflict.
2. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): Intentionally directing attacks against civilians constitutes a war crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute.
3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): The continued bombings undermine the right to life, security, and adequate housing as enshrined in Articles 3 and 25 of the UDHR.
4. African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: These actions violate the right to life (Article 4) and the right to property (Article 14), both of which are protected under the Charter.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Al-Kuma and reiterate their call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, ensure the protection of civilians, and engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR)20 February 2025