The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Thursday accused General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) of committing a “full-fledged war crime” after a drone strike on the town of Kutum in North Darfur killed and wounded scores of civilians.
In a statement, the RSF said the attack was carried out using a Bayraktar drone and targeted a civilian gathering, describing it as part of a “systematic and repeated pattern” of attacks against non-combatants.
The group said the strike hit a wedding late on Wednesday, April 8, killing at least 56 people, including 17 children, and injuring 107 others, according to preliminary figures. It added that the total number of casualties reached 163, including women and children.
“This crime represents a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, foremost among them international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits targeting civilians and civilian gatherings,” the statement said.
“It amounts to a complete war crime that requires accountability and must not go unpunished.”
The RSF said targeting a purely civilian social event reflected “grave disregard for human life and dignity,” and urged the international community to take urgent action to halt violations, ensure civilian protection, and launch independent and transparent investigations.
It also called on journalists and media organisations to continue documenting abuses despite the risks involved in conflict zones.
The RSF extended condolences to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the conflict, warning that continued attacks on civilians would deepen the humanitarian crisis and require a firm international response.
