Sudan army drone strike on Darfur court session kills 35, rights group says

A drone strike in North Darfur has killed 35 people and injured dozens more during a traditional court session in a village controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, according to a local rights group. The attack took place on Sunday afternoon in Ghara al-Zawiya, in the west of Sudan, as the country's civil war between the Sudanese army and the RSF continues. The Emergency Lawyers Group said the gathering was held under a tree with local community leaders present.

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The rights organisation said the strike was carried out by the Sudanese army. The army has not commented on the allegation. A witness quoted by the AFP news agency said four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among those killed.

Another local account, cited by a privately owned Darfur website, said two drones flew over the town before launching more than four missiles. The Emergency Lawyers Group, which monitors violence against civilians, condemned the attack and called for an investigation. It said the targeting of a court session and civilian gathering amounted to a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The group also warned that drones are being used more often to strike civilian areas and gatherings, increasing the risks faced by people living in conflict zones. The reported deaths add to the heavy civilian toll of Sudan's three-year war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions from their homes. Darfur has been one of the conflict's most contested regions, with the RSF holding most of the territory in the west.

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The fighting has also drawn repeated allegations of war crimes from both sides, including drone attacks on civilians. The attack is significant because it hit a civilian dispute-resolution gathering rather than a military target, according to the accounts provided. Traditional court sessions remain an important local mechanism in parts of Darfur, where formal state institutions have been weakened by war.

The reported deaths of community leaders also raise concerns about the loss of local mediation figures at a time when civilian protection is already limited. What remains unclear is whether the army will respond publicly to the allegations and whether any independent investigation will be launched. It is also not yet clear how many of the injured are in critical condition.

The incident comes as the RSF continues to hold most of Darfur and as the wider war shows no sign of easing, leaving civilians exposed to further attacks.

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