The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned a series of deadly drone attacks in Sudan and the Abyei Area that have reportedly killed more than 250 people, including children, amid escalating violence in the conflict-hit regions.
In a statement, Youssouf expressed deep concern over the reported civilian deaths in several locations, calling for an immediate halt to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Media reports citing local and medical sources indicate that approximately 80 people were killed in Al-Dibab, West Kordofan, on October 18, while another 23 people died in Nyala, South Darfur, following an attack on October 16.
At least three children were also reportedly killed in Khartoum on October 19, highlighting the continued vulnerability of civilians caught up in the conflict.
Separately, reports citing local authorities indicated that more than 150 people were killed in a drone attack on Amiet market in the Abyei Area on October 19.
The reported casualties underscore the devastating humanitarian consequences of the fighting, with communities facing deaths, displacement, destruction of livelihoods and disruption of access to essential services.
Youssouf deplored what he described as the intolerable price civilians continue to pay, citing the loss of loved ones and the growing difficulties in accessing food, healthcare and other basic necessities.
He expressed solidarity with the affected communities, extended condolences to families who lost relatives and wished those injured in the attacks a speedy recovery.
The AU Commission Chairperson called on all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
He also urged them to protect humanitarian and medical personnel and ensure the safe, rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law.
The condemnation comes amid wider international concern over the escalation and spread of conflicts around the world, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warning that violence in different regions is becoming increasingly interconnected.
“Around the world, conflicts are not only intensifying, they are expanding. Conflict is feeding conflict,” Guterres said.
He called for an end to fighting, respect for international law and the protection of civilians, while emphasising the need to uphold international navigational rights and freedoms.
“The fighting must stop. Everywhere,” he said, adding that diplomacy must be given the space to succeed.
Youssouf also reaffirmed the African Union's commitment to Sudan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, urging all parties to refrain from actions that could deepen divisions within the country or threaten the stability of neighbouring states.
The AU chief reiterated his support for ongoing regional and international mediation efforts, calling for coordinated action to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and establish an inclusive political process led and owned by the Sudanese people.
Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, triggering widespread displacement, severe humanitarian needs and repeated reports of attacks affecting civilians.
The African Union has continued to call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
