Unmanned Attack on UN Facility in Conflict-Ravaged Sudan Leaves Six UN Personnel

A aerial bombardment hit a United Nations compound in conflict-ridden Sudan on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of six UN soldiers, per a announcement.

The attack impacted a peacekeeping logistics base in the city of Kadugli, situated in the central region of Kordofan.

8 other personnel were injured in the attack. Each of the those affected are Bangladeshi nationals, serving in the UN interim security force for Abyei (Unisfa).

“Strikes against UN peacekeepers may constitute international crimes under international law,” the statement said, urging the perpetrators for the “inexcusable” attack to be held accountable.

Army Accuses Paramilitary Group

The Sudanese military assigned responsibility for the strike on the RSF fighters, a notorious armed faction that has been fighting with the government troops for control of the country for more than two years.

The attack “clearly reveals the rebellious tactics of the paramilitary group and its backers,” the military said in a release.

Context of the Disputed Region

The oil-rich Abyei is a claimed region between Sudan and South Sudan, and the United Nations contingent has been deployed there since 2011, when South Sudan became independent from Sudan.

Demands for an swift truce in Sudan were also expressed to allow “a wide-ranging, inclusive and locally driven dialogue” to settle the conflict.

Nation Plunged into Chaos Since 2023

Sudan was plunged into widespread violence in April 2023 when a power struggle between the army and the RSF escalated into direct clashes in the city of Khartoum and elsewhere the country.

• The war has claimed over 40,000 lives, a number rights groups regard as a low estimate.
• Recent combat has been concentrated in Kordofan, notably since fighters seized El Fasher.
• The crisis has wrecked cities and has been noted for horrors, like widespread sexual violence and ethnic slaughter.
• These crimes have been labeled international crimes by the UN and rights groups.
• The situation has also created the world’s worst humanitarian disaster and driven parts of the country into extreme hunger.