Sudan Airstrike Hits School and Hospital, Killing 79 as Violence Escalates  

NAIROBI - At least 43 children were among the 79 people killed in yet another deadly airstrike waged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in South Kordofan, authorities reported.

The South Kordofan government said in a statement that the airstrike targeted the city of Kalogi in Western Sudan as the conflict escalates across the country. The conflict spilled over in several parts of the country in 2023.

According to authorities, the drone fired four missiles, which hit a school, a hospital, and a densely populated area. Authorities described the incident as a "heinous crime" committed by the RSF-allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

Authorities had initially reported eight fatalities, including six children and a teacher, before the death toll climbed to 79. They asked the international community to intervene and end the war, while calling for the designation of the RSF as a terrorist organisation.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) condemned the drone strike as "a horrific violation of children’s rights." It said more than 10 children aged between five and seven were among the victims.

"Children should never pay the price of conflict. UNICEF urges all parties to stop these attacks immediately and allow safe, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to reach those in desperate need," UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett said.

"The killing and maiming of children, and attacks on schools and hospitals are grave violations of children’s rights."

UNICEF said the attack came "amid a sharp deterioration in security across the Kordofan States since early November, driving widespread displacement and deepening humanitarian needs."

GAROWE ONLINE