Renewed Airstrikes Hit North Darfur: Calls Grow for End to Civilian Bombing

Sunday, November 3, 2024

In a worrying escalation of violence in Sudan’s North Darfur region, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) warplanes launched airstrikes on the Malit locality, specifically targeting the Guruna neighborhood near the regional capital, Al-Fashir. The air raids, conducted on November 1, have raised alarm among local and international observers due to reports of civilian casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The Darfur Victims Society (DVS), an organization advocating for the rights and protection of Darfur’s civilians, has urgently called for an immediate halt to the bombings in densely populated areas.

The conflict in Darfur, marked by decades of tension and sporadic violence, has seen an alarming resurgence in recent months as clashes between various factions and government forces intensify. The SAF’s recent air campaign is part of a broader military offensive aimed at regaining control over rebel-held areas, but the targeting of civilian neighborhoods has drawn criticism and concerns over potential human rights violations.

Civilians in the Crossfire

The airstrikes in the Guruna neighborhood have left civilians in North Darfur fearing for their safety as reports indicate that many families were caught in the line of fire. Witnesses from Guruna describe scenes of destruction, with buildings reduced to rubble and streets littered with debris. Local hospitals, already strained by a lack of resources, are struggling to treat the wounded, while many residents face displacement as they attempt to flee the violence.

Darfur has long been a region of conflict in Sudan, dating back to the early 2000s when the Sudanese government and various armed groups fought over resources, autonomy, and power. Despite multiple peace agreements, including the Juba Peace Agreement of 2020, violence has continued, often flaring up in cycles as armed groups and government forces battle for control.

For the civilians in Darfur, particularly in North Darfur’s Malit locality, these airstrikes represent a grim return to an era of indiscriminate bombing campaigns that left thousands dead and displaced. Activists and humanitarian groups warn that this wave of violence could undo years of efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding communities in Darfur.

Calls for Immediate Action

The Darfur Victims Society (DVS) has taken a strong stance, urging the SAF to immediately cease its bombing of civilian areas. In a public statement, DVS condemned the targeting of Guruna and similar populated neighborhoods, describing the attacks as “inhumane and unjustifiable” and warning of the toll on already vulnerable communities.

DVS has called on the international community to intervene, specifically requesting that the United Nations and the African Union apply pressure on Sudan’s government to halt military operations in civilian areas. They have also appealed for humanitarian corridors to assist those affected by the bombings, arguing that Darfur’s civilians deserve safety and security.

Despite calls for restraint, the Sudanese government remains firm in its stance, arguing that the airstrikes are necessary to suppress armed insurgencies threatening the stability of the region. However, analysts caution that SAF’s strategy risks alienating local populations and could potentially drive more recruits to the rebel cause. The indiscriminate nature of airstrikes, critics argue, is counterproductive in a region where historical grievances and mistrust of government forces run deep.

Humanitarian Concerns and International Reactions

As violence escalates, the humanitarian impact in Darfur has become increasingly dire. Displaced families from the Guruna neighborhood now face food and water shortages, compounded by restricted access for aid organizations due to ongoing airstrikes and ground conflicts. Aid agencies have also raised concerns about the psychological trauma inflicted on children and families who have witnessed the destruction firsthand.

Internationally, the situation in North Darfur has attracted attention, with human rights organizations urging governments to address the crisis diplomatically. The African Union has been called upon to mediate, and several international NGOs are actively monitoring the situation, collecting evidence of potential human rights abuses.

The renewed violence comes at a time when Sudan is navigating a fragile political landscape following recent unrest and economic struggles. Observers note that Sudan’s leadership faces significant pressure to resolve conflicts within its borders without further alienating the population.

A Plea for Peace in Darfur

For the people of Darfur, the bombing of Malit’s Guruna neighborhood is a painful reminder of the past—and a harbinger of what may come if peace efforts fail. Advocacy groups, citizens, and local leaders are now urging all parties to return to dialogue, emphasizing that Darfur’s future depends on cooperation, not conflict. As the world watches, the calls for an end to the airstrikes intensify, with hopes that the voices of Darfur’s civilians will be heard and their right to peace respected.