4 February 2025
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) is appalled and deeply disturbed by the relentless bombardment of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Nyala, South Darfur, by the Sudanese army’s warplanes. The indiscriminate and repeated airstrikes on densely populated areas have resulted in horrific loss of life and unimaginable suffering for innocent civilians. This senseless violence cannot be ignored.
On 3 February 2025, for the fourth consecutive time, the Sudanese army warplanes carried out an airstrike on Nyala, leaving more than 38 civilians dead, the majority of whom were women and children, including an entire family. Among the victims were also rickshaw and taxi drivers carrying passengers at the intersection of Al-Joumhouria Street and the Cinema area. More than 150 civilians have been injured, many with severe, life-threatening wounds. The death toll is expected to rise as further details emerge.
Over the past four days, Nyala has endured a relentless barrage of airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 238 people, with hundreds more injured. The destruction of civilian homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods has left families in desperate need of shelter, food, and medical assistance. The terror that has gripped Nyala has forced many families to flee their homes, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
SAR condemns in the strongest possible terms this blatant disregard for human life and dignity. These attacks are a clear violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which explicitly prohibit attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and Additional Protocol II, which demands the protection of civilians during non-international armed conflicts.
We call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of these deadly airstrikes and demand that the Sudanese government take full responsibility for ensuring the safety and protection of its citizens. The international community, including the United Nations and all human rights bodies, must urgently intervene to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Nyala. We will continue to advocate for justice and accountability and urge the world to act before more innocent lives are lost.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights