Officials commented on the matter. During the first four months of 2026, drone strikes accounted for 80% of civilian casualties in the country, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and the UN aid coordination office (OCHA).
The report highlights a particularly devastating incident in March 2026, when a drone attack on a market in western Sudan resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to dozens more, including children.
This incident, along with others, has drawn international concern over the impact of drone warfare on civilian populations. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that the use of armed drones has led to at least 880 civilian deaths between January and April 2026.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) clashed, has seen an increase in the use of drones by both sides.
This has led to a significant increase in civilian casualties, with drone strikes targeting markets, hospitals, water points, and displacement camps, as well as other civilian areas.
The OHCHR and OCHA have expressed concern over the use of drones and their impact on civilians and humanitarian operations.
The Emergency Lawyers group has also documented abuses by both sides of the conflict, including drone strikes on civilian areas.
The use of drones in conflict has raised ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding their impact on civilians.
The OHCHR has called for an immediate end to the use of drones in populated areas and for all parties to the conflict to adhere to international human rights and humanitarian law.
As the conflict in Sudan continues to rage, the use of drones remains a contentious issue.
The UN’s report serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
