CAIRO (AP) — A tragic drone attack carried out by Sudanese paramilitary forces has struck a kindergarten in Kalogi, a town located in South Kordofan state. This devastating incident resulted in the deaths of 50 individuals, among whom were 33 children, according to a local doctors’ group. The attack highlights the ongoing turmoil in the region, where the conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military continues to escalate.
Emergency responders at the scene reported that they were subjected to a "second unexpected attack," further complicating rescue efforts and medical responses. The doctors' group stressed that the death toll might rise, as communication blackouts in the area hinder the accurate reporting of casualties. The situation remains dire as the fighting continues unabated.
This drone strike is the latest in a string of violent confrontations between the RSF and the Sudanese military, which have been involved in warfare for over two years. The conflict has particularly intensified in the oil-rich territories of Kordofan, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. In recent weeks, hundreds of civilians have been reported killed in the Kordofan states, as fighting has spilled over from Darfur, following the RSF’s takeover of the besieged city of el-Fasher.
UNICEF Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, condemned the attack, labeling the killing of children in their school as a "horrific violation of children's rights." Yett stated, "Children should never pay the price of conflict," and he called for all parties involved to "stop these attacks immediately" and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in desperate need without obstruction.
As fighting escalates, casualties among civilians are becoming alarmingly frequent. On Sunday, Sudanese military aerial strikes near Kauda, also located in South Kordofan, reportedly killed at least 48 people, predominantly civilians. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, cautioned that Kordofan could be on the brink of new atrocities similar to those witnessed in el-Fasher.
The RSF’s violent occupation of el-Fasher has been marked by severe human rights abuses, including executions of civilians, sexual assaults, and other atrocities. Thousands have fled the city, while many more are feared dead or trapped within its confines. The ongoing struggle for power between the RSF and the Sudanese military continues to plague the nation, resulting in significant human suffering.
Since the onset of the conflict in 2023, more than 40,000 people have been killed, according to the World Health Organization, with an estimated 12 million individuals displaced. However, several aid agencies assert that the actual death toll may be considerably higher, given the challenges in confirming casualties amid the chaos of war.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains critical, with urgent calls for intervention and support as violence escalates and innocent lives are lost. The international community is urged to take notice of these developments and respond decisively to prevent further suffering.
