A recent drone strike in Sudan has sparked widespread concern after killing six United Nations peacekeepers at a military base in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan State. The incident, which occurred on December 13, 2025, has been condemned by the Doha-based human rights organization, DNHR, as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

Under international law, UN peacekeeping personnel are considered civilians and are entitled to full protection against attack, unless they directly participate in hostilities. The deliberate targeting of UN peacekeepers constitutes a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions and may amount to a war crime. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court also criminalizes intentional attacks against personnel involved in peacekeeping missions.

The Sudanese authorities have attributed the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), although the group has denied involvement. Regardless of who is responsible, DNHR emphasizes that all parties to the conflict in Sudan are bound by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. This means that all parties must distinguish between military targets and civilians, avoid causing unnecessary harm, and take precautions to minimize damage.

DNHR is calling for an independent and impartial investigation into the attack to determine responsibility at both the individual and command levels. The organization stresses that commanders and civilian superiors may be held criminally liable if they knew or should have known about such crimes and failed to prevent or punish them.

The United Nations, the African Union, and other international accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court, are being urged to take steps to ensure accountability and enhance protection for UN peacekeeping personnel operating in Sudan. The incident highlights the need for increased efforts to protect peacekeepers and ensure that those responsible for attacks against them are held accountable.

The attack on UN peacekeepers in Sudan is a serious concern for the international community, and a thorough investigation is necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The protection of peacekeepers is essential for maintaining stability and security in conflict zones, and ensuring that those responsible for attacks against them are held accountable is crucial for upholding international law.