At least 40 children were killed over three days of bombings across Sudan, marking a tragic escalation in the ongoing conflict, according to UNICEF. The bombings, which took place in several regions, highlight the growing threats faced by young people in the war-torn country.
Annmarie Swai, UNICEF’s representative in Sudan, described the situation as a “stark” example of the dangers children face amid the violence. The strikes in the southern city of Kadugli on Monday alone killed 21 children and injured 29 more.
Additionally, bombings in the North Darfur capital, El-Fasher, claimed the lives of at least 11 children, while eight other children were killed in an attack on a market near Khartoum on Saturday. Swai emphasized the devastating toll, noting that reports of child casualties are alarmingly frequent, with new reports emerging almost daily.
The ongoing power struggle between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has been intensifying since April 2023, has led to widespread civilian casualties. Both factions have been accused of targeting civilians and indiscriminately shelling residential areas. The conflict has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 12 million people.
The United Nations has documented over 900 “grave violations” against children between June and December 2024, with a significant number of fatalities and injuries in the Darfur, Khartoum, and Al-Jazira regions.
Swai called on all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and cease the fighting, emphasizing the devastating impact on Sudan’s children.
