GENEVA: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep concern over the increasing use of drone strikes in Sudan, particularly targeting vital services like hospitals, electricity, and water systems. The organization warns that such attacks are fueling serious human rights violations across the war-torn country.
According to Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa, between 70% and 80% of hospitals in Sudan are currently out of operation. Damage to water infrastructure has also raised fears of a potential cholera outbreak.
In a recent briefing in Geneva, Youssef highlighted a drone strike near Khartoum that completely knocked out electricity in the area, underlining the devastating impact on critical infrastructure. “We are seeing more and more drones being used by various factions, and their availability is escalating the level and intensity of violence,” he said.
The conflict, which erupted on April 15, 2023, between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to mass displacement. Nearly 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes in just two years.
As some displaced citizens begin returning to Khartoum, Youssef emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian access. “Violations of international law are happening across the board,” he said, calling on both parties to allow the Red Cross to provide aid and monitor abuses.
Aid agencies have previously reported restrictions on delivering assistance to areas under RSF control, while also accusing the Sudanese army of obstructing access to those same regions. However, both the army and RSF deny blocking humanitarian aid.
