In a tragic escalation of violence in Sudan, a drone strike attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, predominantly schoolgirls, in the village of Shukeiri. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, also left around ten others injured, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has plagued the country for nearly three years.
A Targeted Attack
The drone strike hit a secondary school and a nearby healthcare centre in Shukeiri, situated in White Nile province. Dr Musa al-Majeri, director of Douiem hospital— the closest major medical facility—reported that among the injured, three girls sustained severe injuries. Surgical procedures were performed on two, while the third was evacuated to Khartoum for further medical attention.
The Sudan Doctors Network, an organisation dedicated to tracking the war’s impact on civilians, was among the first to report the attack. It confirmed that the fatalities included two educators and a healthcare worker, and stressed that there was no military presence in the area at the time.
Patterns of Violence
Dr Razan Al-Mahdi, a spokesperson for the medical network, condemned the drone strike as yet another act of violence perpetrated by the RSF in the region. Al-Mahdi noted that in recent days, the paramilitary group has targeted various civilian facilities, including a student dormitory and a power station.
“This horrific crime represents a continuation of the violations committed by the RSF in the White Nile,” Al-Mahdi stated, emphasising the urgency of the situation as attacks on civilian infrastructure become increasingly common.
The Broader Conflict
The incident in Shukeiri is part of a larger narrative of chaos that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023, when a power struggle between the military and the RSF erupted into open conflict. This ongoing war has already claimed over 40,000 lives, according to United Nations estimates, with humanitarian organisations warning that the actual toll could be significantly higher.
The fighting has predominantly concentrated in the Kordofan region, where drone strikes have become a regular feature. The conflict has seen numerous atrocities, including mass killings and gang rapes, which are currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In a particularly harrowing series of events last October, the RSF and its Janjaweed allies launched an offensive in the Darfur city of el-Fasher, leading to what UN experts described as actions with “hallmarks of genocide”. Over three days, at least 6,000 lives were lost, underscoring the severity and brutality of the conflict.
Why it Matters
The ramifications of the ongoing violence in Sudan extend far beyond immediate loss of life; they threaten the very fabric of society. As the war continues to ravage communities, the targeting of schools and healthcare facilities signifies a troubling disregard for civilian safety and human rights. Each attack not only compounds the humanitarian crisis but also impedes the prospects for peace and recovery, leaving an indelible mark on future generations. The plight of Sudanese civilians calls for urgent international attention and intervention, lest the cycle of violence perpetuate unchecked.
