Unmanned Assault on United Nations Base in War-Torn Sudan Kills 6 UN Personnel
A aerial bombardment hit a UN compound in war-torn Sudan on Saturday, causing the deaths of six peacekeepers, as stated by a statement.
The attack occurred at a UN facility in the city of Kadugli, found in the mid-country region of Kordofan.
Eight other personnel were hurt in the attack. All the those affected are citizens of Bangladesh, deployed with the United Nations mission in Abyei.
“Attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may constitute violations of international law under international law,” the statement said, urging the culprits for the “inexcusable” attack to be brought to justice.
Military Accuses Paramilitary Group
The Sudanese military blamed the attack on the RSF fighters, a well-known armed faction that has been engaged in conflict with the military for power in the country for since April 2023.
The attack “clearly reveals the rebellious nature of the armed faction and its supporters,” the military said in a statement.
Context of the Disputed Region
The resource-abundant Abyei is a contested area between Sudan and South Sudan, and the peacekeeping force has been stationed there since 2011, when South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan.
Calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan were also issued to allow “a wide-ranging, all-encompassing and nationally led dialogue” to address the war.
Country Engulfed in Conflict Since 2023
Sudan was thrown into open war in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF escalated into direct clashes in the national capital and elsewhere the country.
- The war has claimed more than 40,000 people, a figure advocates regard as a major underestimate.
- Recent fighting has centred on Kordofan, particularly since the RSF took control of El Fasher.
- The crisis has destroyed towns and has been marked by atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings.
- These crimes have been labeled international crimes by the UN and rights groups.
- The conflict has also caused the world’s worst humanitarian emergency and driven parts of the country into famine.
