GENEVA

The UN-designated expert on the human rights situation in Sudan on Friday voiced alarm over a sharp escalation in drone attacks by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), warning of devastating consequences for civilians.

"The intensifying use of drone strikes is putting civilian lives at additional risk, deepening the humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the country. This escalation has the potential for far-reaching consequences beyond Sudan’s borders," Radhouane Nouicer said in a statement.

According to the UN expert, RSF drones on Tuesday and Wednesday targeted Khartoum International Airport, just before its planned reopening for the first time since the conflict began in April 2023. The RSF also hit dams and electricity facilities in Blue Nile and Sennar states, injuring six workers and causing widespread power outages.

Nouicer cited multiple attacks in Darfur and Kordofan, including strikes that killed at least 57 civilians in El Fasher, 13 in North and West Darfur, and 18 in North Kordofan.

"The continued targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure violates international humanitarian law and contradicts express commitments to the protection of civilians," he stressed and urged: "Concrete measures are urgently needed to protect civilians and ensure accountability."