Sudan’s authorities have called for an international investigation into a deadly drone attack on a market in the disputed Abyei region, amid mounting accusations against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) over the bombing.
Al-Khair Abu Maridat, head of Sudan’s Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, on Saturday urged the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the October 19 attack on An Nam market, also known as Amiet.
According to figures cited by the United Nations, the strike killed at least 80 people and wounded 19 others, while several civilians remain missing.
Abu Maridat called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable, warning that failure to act could encourage further attacks against civilians.
He expressed regret over the deaths and said protecting civilians must remain a priority, particularly as Sudan’s continuing war threatens to destabilise the disputed territory.
The demand follows accusations by South Sudan that Sudan’s military carried out the deadly bombing.
Juba summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest the attack, escalating diplomatic tensions between the neighbouring countries.
However, Sudan’s foreign ministry denied any military involvement on Friday, rejecting allegations that its forces were responsible.
The ministry also drew comparisons with a December 2025 attack on a UNISFA facility in Kadugli, South Kordofan, which it blamed on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Responsibility for the Abyei market bombing has not been independently established.
