Child killed, two injured by UXO/ERW in South Darfur

Sudan activists of Baladna Organisation for Social Development reported that a child from the Otash camp for the displaced in Nyala, capital of South Darfur, died following an explosion of a shell from an unexploded ordnance (UXO), last week. This incident, like many in the past, underscores the persistent danger posed by UXOs in conflict-affected areas.

Activist Mohamed El Zaki stated that in a separate incident, two people sustained injuries in Nyala’s western neighbourhoods on Saturday due to another explosive remnants of war (ERW) blast. The victims, in critical condition, had to be rushed to the hospital.

In light of these incidents, El Zaki urged civilians to refrain from handling any UXOs they may encounter and instead, “promptly contact emergency services”. 

The prevalence of UXO in Nyala is alarming, reflecting the legacy of violent battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that ravaged the city and its environs for months before the RSF assumed control of the South Darfur capital.

The city has regularly witnessed fierce battles for the control of the strategically and economically important city in the region. The SAF garrison of Nyala fell to the RSF last year in October. The Sudanese air force bombed several places in the city in mid- December last year.

Efforts to mitigate the risks posed by UXOs remain crucial to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict-affected regions like Nyala. El Zaki recommends concerted efforts to clear these hazardous remnants and prevent further tragedies from occurring.

UXOs removed

The Baladna Organisation for Social Development, which also works in the field of collecting explosive devices that have not detonated as intended state that its volunteers have been able to extract 771 unexploded missiles and other devices in Nyala.

As reported by Radio Dabanga last year in September, roads and neighbourhoods in the South Darfur capital were littered with explosive remnants of the battles.

Baladna stated in its report covering May 25-December 25, 2023, that it received 871 reports about unidentified military devices objects in 14 neighbourhoods. Ten reports turned out to be fake.

The devices collected were dismantled and disposed by a team of 55 engineers, markers, and first aid technicians. The UXOs were found in homes, on roads, markets and cemeteries in Nyala. The report, however, noted that “the roofs of buildings and shops at the Nyala Grand Market have not been cleaned yet”.

The organisation added that it has carried out awareness programmes on the dangers of UXOs and placed danger signs in areas where it received reports of the presence of unidentified objects. “Baladna is working to ensure that Nyala will be entirely free of all remnants of war.”