Sudan Alliance for Rights strongly condemns the appalling airstrikes carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces on civilian marketplace in North Darfur State, Kutum Locality on Monday, December 23, 2024. These attacks deliberately targeted innocent civilians, resulting in horrific loss of life and widespread injuries, particularly among the most vulnerable—women and children.
The airstrike, which struck the crowded market during peak morning day hours, left behind scenes of devastation. Video footage circulating on social media reveals scattered, charred bodies and shops engulfed in flames, as fires spread through the markets, destroying most of the stalls. Reports from residents and activists confirm that many victims, including women selling food to support their families and numerous children, were caught in the inferno and succumbed to fire, suffocation, or mutilation.
These attack constitute a severe violation of international humanitarian law. The deliberate targeting of civilian marketplaces not only breaches the Geneva Conventions of 1949 but also flagrantly disregards the core principles of Additional Protocol I (1977), including the principles of distinction and proportionality, which prohibit attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
As a human rights organization, the Sudan Alliance for Rights calls for the following actions:
1. Unreserved Condemnation: We unequivocally condemn this criminal act of violence, which constitutes a clear breach of international law and the most basic human rights. The ongoing bombing of civilian markets, homes, and public spaces reflects a shocking disregard for human life and dignity.
2. Urgent Appeal to the International Community: We call on the international community, including humanitarian organizations, governments, and international institutions, to take immediate action to stop the responsible parties from continuing these atrocities. The lives of innocent civilians, especially women and children, are at grave risk, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent further bloodshed.
3. Accountability for All Parties to the Conflict: We demand that the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) uphold their international obligations to protect civilians. The continued targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including marketplaces, is inexcusable and must be brought to an immediate halt.
4. Imposition of a No-Fly Zone: We urge the United Nations and the international community to impose a no-fly zone over civilian-populated areas in Sudan. This crucial step will help prevent further airstrikes on civilian populations and protect those already living in fear of aerial bombardment.
5. Investigation and Legal Accountability: We call for an independent, impartial, and thorough investigation into these airstrikes and the broader targeting of civilians in Sudan. The perpetrators of these attacks, whether planners or executors, must be held accountable under international law for their war crimes.
These airstrikes are a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and suffering faced by the Sudanese people, especially the most vulnerable. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to end the violence and ensure that justice is done. The Sudanese people, particularly women and children, deserve peace, security, and the protection of their fundamental rights.
We stand in solidarity with the victims of these airstrikes and all those affected by this senseless violence. We demand immediate action to stop the killing and hold those responsible for these crimes to account.
Sudan Alliance for Rights
December 23, 2024