On a day meant to celebrate the principles of human dignity and equality, the Sudanese Air Force launched devastating airstrikes on Nyala, South Darfur, late Monday, December 9, 2024, and continued into Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024—Human Rights Day. These attacks stand in stark contrast to the values being commemorated globally, as civilians in Nyala face terror and displacement amidst escalating violence.
The strikes targeted key locations, including the former UNAMID headquarters 12 kilometers east-northeast of Nyala, the Nim Forest in the city center, the vicinity of the former 16th Infantry Division Command, Nyala International Airport, and Baba village east of the city.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that warplanes dropped 10 barrel bombs on Monday evening, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The strikes resumed early Tuesday morning at approximately 8:00 AM, with seven additional barrel bombs dropped across residential neighborhoods in Nyala. These indiscriminate bombings have left civilians terrified, forcing many to flee the city to seek refuge in nearby villages.
The airstrikes have drawn sharp criticism for violating international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Reports from Nyala reveal no distinction between military and civilian targets, raising concerns over the increasing risk to non-combatants.
“These airstrikes are a blatant violation of international law and a direct threat to the safety of civilians,” said a representative from the Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR). “On Human Rights Day, a time to reaffirm the principles of protection and equality, these actions are a tragic reminder of how far we still have to go to secure basic rights for all.”
The continued attacks on Nyala have amplified fears of displacement, with families fleeing to avoid further violence. The use of barrel bombs, known for their destructive power and indiscriminate nature, has caused significant panic and devastation in one of Sudan’s most conflict-affected regions.
The Darfur Network for Human Rights has urgently called on all parties in the Sudanese conflict to cease targeting civilians and non-military areas immediately, refrain from using civilians as human shields or exploiting their suffering for military gains, and return to peace negotiations to restore stability in Sudan and protect vulnerable communities.
On this Human Rights Day, the Darfur Network for Human Rights appeals to the international community to honor the day’s principles by taking decisive action to address the ongoing crisis. “The suffering of civilians caught in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces cannot be ignored,” the organization emphasized.
DNHR is calling for global accountability for human rights violations, increased humanitarian aid to assist displaced families and affected civilians, and a coordinated international response to end the war in Sudan.
The escalating violence in South Darfur, including the targeting of Nyala, underscores the urgency for immediate action by both national and international stakeholders. Without intervention, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan will only worsen, leaving thousands more vulnerable to displacement, injury, and loss of life. On this day of global reflection, the world must commit to ensuring safety, justice, and dignity for all.