Sudan army drone attack on Darfur kills 35, rights group says

What Happened

On Sunday, a drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) hit a traditional court in Garra al-Zawaya, North Darfur, killing at least 35 people and wounding several others, according to the Emergency Lawyers group. The attack occurred at about 1pm local time as civilians and community leaders gathered under a tree for hearings on local cases and disputes. The village is under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A witness, speaking anonymously to AFP, said four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among the dead. The strike damaged the court building, a traditional institution for resolving local and tribal feuds.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The attack underscores the escalating use of drone warfare by both sides in Sudan's conflict, which the UN says killed over 1,000 civilians in the first five months of this year. Targeting a traditional tribal court risks inflaming ethnic tensions in Darfur, a region already facing genocide allegations over RSF-led violence against Masalit and other African communities. The SAF's ability to strike deep into RSF-held territory, even after losing el-Fasher, shows the war's geographic expansion and the increasing danger to civilian institutions.

Watch For

Monitor for RSF retaliation, especially against SAF positions or tribal groups perceived as aligned with the army. Watch for statements from the Taqaddum coalition, international mediators, or the ICC, which has investigated Darfur atrocities. Track whether the strike triggers new displacement waves or worsens acute food insecurity in an area where famine conditions have been confirmed.