Nyala air strikes a ‘haunting concern’ for residents

Warplanes of the Sudanese Air Force bombed several places in Nyala, capital of South Darfur yesterday evening. The North Darfur capital of El Fasher continues to experience a “cautious calm” after fierce fighting erupted last week.

Listeners from Nyala told Radio Dabanga that the air strikes have become a “haunting concern” for the city’s residents “after they felt a little stable in recent weeks.” Direct fighting between the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the RSF in Nyala stopped since the latter took control of the city in late October.

On Thursday, however, warplanes resumed their bombardments, killing 10 people and wounding 37 civilians, according to a statement by the Emergency Lawyers Group.

People told Radio Dabanga from Nyala that the bombardments targeted the neighbourhood near the city’s airport, the stadium, and the Malja Market. In addition to other air strikes, they reported “four barrel bombs falling on the city”.

The sources said that they live in a state of constant fear due to the repeated air strikes. “This systematic targeting by the air force of sites in Nyala is dangerous,” one of the sources said.

“Mothers in Nyala are teaching their children first aid on wounds and burns. They make their children sleep in separate rooms to decrease the risk of death,” Sudan watcher @BSonblast posted on X (formerly Twitter) two days ago.

The high number of civilian casualties can be attributed to indiscriminate attacks on populated areas, the Emergency Lawyers Group said in a statement yesterday. “This approach is contrary to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions,” they say.

“People living in Nyala are living in tragic humanitarian conditions, with the water, electricity, and communication networks cut-off. In addition to the scarcity and high costs of food, they live in a state of lawlessness where plundering and robberies are rife,” the lawyers lament.

El Fasher

El Fasher, capital of North Darfur is witnessing a cautious calm after SAF and RSF clashes last week left two dead and eight wounded from the Abu Shouk camp for the displaced.

Witnesses told Radio Dabanga on Saturday that Abou Shouk camp residents Ahmed Hussein (40) and Taha Ishag (30) were killed, and eight others were injured by crossfire and missiles.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a resident of El Fasher said that the RSF continue to be stationed at the regional bus station, located in the east of El Fasher.

“Markets and hospitals remain open, and people are moving freely in the city. However, locals fear a renewal of clashes.”