GENEVA, Switzerland — The United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has warned that Sudan’s conflict is entering a potentially “deadlier phase” following a sharp rise in drone attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians and intensified humanitarian suffering.
In a statement issued Monday, Türk strongly condemned the growing use of armed drones by both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, saying the attacks were increasingly targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.
According to findings from the UN human rights office in Sudan, drone strikes accounted for at least 880 civilian deaths between January and April this year, representing more than 80 P.c of all conflict-related civilian fatalities recorded during the period.
“Armed drones have now become by far and away the leading cause of civilian deaths,” Türk said.
He warned that the increasing reliance on drones could allow fighting to continue through the upcoming rainy season, which historically slowed military operations in Sudan.
“An intensification of hostilities in the coming weeks, as the parties seek to gain or consolidate control of territory amid shifting conflict dynamics, risks hostilities expanding even further to central and eastern states, with lethal consequences for civilians across enormous areas,” he said.
Türk said the international community must urgently act to stop the transfer of weapons and advanced drones to the warring sides.
“Drone attacks against civilians and civilian objects will only worsen if they are met with utter impunity,” he warned.
Most civilian deaths linked to drone strikes in recent months were recorded in the Kordofan region.
The UN cited attacks on May 8 in Al Quz in South Kordofan and near El Obeid in North Kordofan that reportedly killed at least 26 civilians and injured several others.
The conflict has increasingly spread beyond Kordofan and Darfur into Blue Nile, White Nile, and the capital region of Khartoum.
A drone strike on Khartoum International Airport on May 4 disrupted all flights, while multiple attacks were also reported in Khartoum and the neighbouring city of Omdurman between late April and early May.
“The intensity of these attacks has shattered the relative calm that has prevailed in recent months,” Türk said.
The UN said civilian infrastructure has increasingly become a target, with at least 28 attacks on markets and 12 strikes on healthcare facilities documented between January and April.
Several hospitals and clinics have reportedly been forced to shut down, leaving communities without access to treatment and forcing civilians to travel long distances for medical care.
Fuel storage sites and supply routes have also repeatedly come under attack, worsening shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
Türk warned that escalating violence could further deepen Sudan’s humanitarian crisis and increase the risk of famine across large parts of the country.
“Much of the country, including Kordofan, is now facing an increased risk of famine and acute food insecurity,” he said.
The warning comes as humanitarian agencies continue reporting mass displacement, deteriorating healthcare systems, and severe shortages of aid in conflict-affected regions.
The UN Human Rights Chief urged all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe movement for displaced populations.
“Civilians must be protected from reprisals, including summary executions, sexual violence, arbitrary detention and abductions,” Türk said.
Sudan has remained engulfed in conflict since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, triggering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
