Sudan: Rapid Support Forces Attack on Nursery Kills Dozens of Children
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a network of doctors in Sudan reports that 33 children were killed in an attack by the Rapid Support Forces on a nursery in the state of Kordofan. The legal organization “Emergency Lawyers,” which monitors violence against civilians in Sudan, issued a statement reporting a second attack on aid workers assisting survivors in Kaloji. The statement indicated that after two previous attacks on civilian areas in Kordofan, another civilian site was targeted.
The organization condemned the attack, holding the RSF militia group responsible. It described the attack as a “clear violation of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, especially children, and critical civilian infrastructure.”
The network noted that 50 people, including 33 children, were killed in the attack. The death toll may rise, but communication difficulties with the region are hindering accurate information gathering.
The attack is part of ongoing clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese army, which began two years ago and are currently concentrated in the oil-rich state of Kordofan.
Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative in Sudan, said on Friday in a statement that the killing of children in their schools is a “horrific violation of children’s rights, and children should never pay the price of conflict.” Yett added that UNICEF calls on all parties to immediately stop these attacks and allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in dire need safely and without hindrance.
Previously, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that Kordofan could face new disasters similar to those in Fasher. The RSF’s control of the city of Fasher led to executions and widespread violations of civilians’ rights, forcing thousands of residents to flee.
Since 2023, Sudan has witnessed a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which, according to estimates from the World Health Organization, has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people and the displacement of approximately 12 million.
