At least 35 people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a Sudanese army drone struck a traditional court gathering in northern Darfur, according to a local rights group.
The Emergency Lawyers Group, which documents attacks on civilians, said the strike hit Ghara al-Zawiya village, an area currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, RSF. Dozens more were reported wounded.
The army has not issued a public comment.
Witnesses told AFP the court session was taking place under a tree and included local community leaders. Among the dead were four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders, a witness said.
Darfur 24, a local news outlet, quoted a resident who said two drones were seen flying over the town before firing more than four missiles.
The Emergency Lawyers Group condemned the attack and called for an investigation. It said targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is “a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” and warned that drone strikes on populated areas are becoming more frequent.
The RSF controls most of Darfur in western Sudan. The group has also been accused of using drones against civilians during the war.
Sudan has been in a civil war for more than three years between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Last year, a UN fact-finding mission said the RSF’s siege of el-Fasher showed “hallmarks of genocide.” The RSF denies the accusations.
