The attack on the market underscores the severe impact of the ongoing civil war on civilian life in Sudan, particularly in regions like North Darfur where the conflict has escalated.
The use of airstrikes in populated areas raises serious concerns regarding the adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
The continued escalation of violence in Sudan may lead to further international condemnation and potential interventions aimed at protecting civilians and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
If the conflict persists, the situation could worsen, resulting in increased displacement and further destabilization of the region.
On December 10, 2024, an airstrike on a market in Kabkabiya, North Darfur, resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals and left hundreds more injured, according to reports from the Emergency Lawyers organization. The attack occurred during the town's weekly market day, a time when residents from surrounding villages gather to shop. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in Sudan, where a civil war has been raging for 20 months between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The airstrike has been characterized as 'indiscriminate,' targeting densely populated areas rather than military installations, contradicting claims by the army that their operations are focused solely on military targets. The regular army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, have faced accusations of deliberately targeting civilians throughout the conflict.
In addition to the market strike, another incident involving an unidentified drone in North Kordofan resulted in six fatalities, including children, when it exploded after crashing. The violence in Sudan has led to a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands dead and over eleven million people displaced, according to United Nations reports.
