Eyewitnesses in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, have reported that a civilian was killed during airstrikes conducted by Sudanese Army warplanes on Saturday evening. The strikes targeted several areas across the city, causing further destruction and fear among residents.
A medical source at Nyala Teaching Hospital confirmed that the body of the victim was transferred from the “Koma” area, northwest of Nyala, to the hospital. Koma is situated near the Fighters’ Training Center of the 16th Infantry Division, which is under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Omar Adam, an eyewitness, described seeing an Antonov warplane flying over Nyala and dropping eight shells on various locations. The reported targets included:
- Nyala Airport, located east of the city.
- Mosaih’s Dormitory at Nyala University.
- The former UNAMID Headquarters, northeast of the city.
- The Fighters’ Training Center in Domaya.
This incident marks the eighth consecutive day of airstrikes on Nyala, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Homes have been severely damaged, and civilians continue to face displacement and insecurity.
Earlier this month, a medical source at Nyala Teaching Hospital reported that six civilians were killed and eight others injured in similar airstrikes. These strikes targeted:
- Nyala Airport.
- The Taiba neighborhood, east of the city.
- Nyala University headquarters in Mosaih.
- A crossing on the Nyala-Fasher Road.
- Nyala Secondary School.
- Areas southwest of Domaya.
In December 2024, six members of a single family were killed when a warplane bombed their home in the western El-Wadi neighborhood.
Since October 2024, Nyala Teaching Hospital has recorded 24 deaths and 34 injuries caused by airstrikes, though these figures do not include victims treated at other medical centers.
The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) strongly condemns the repeated airstrikes targeting civilian areas in Nyala. These attacks, which include bombings of residential neighborhoods, educational institutions, and non-military infrastructure, constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
The Geneva Conventions prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts. Such actions are classified as war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
DNHR calls for an immediate cessation of airstrikes and urges the Sudanese government to uphold its responsibility to protect civilians. The deliberate targeting of non-combatants and civilian infrastructure must be condemned universally and addressed with urgency.