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, was 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. Deliberately targeting 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.
Sudanese authorities have attributed the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), although the group has denied involvement. Regardless of responsibility, 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 obliges combatants to differentiate between military targets and civilians, avoid unnecessary harm, and take measures to minimize damage.
DNHR is calling for an independent, impartial investigation 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 urged to take steps to ensure accountability and enhance protection for UN peacekeeping personnel operating in Sudan.
The attack highlights the urgent need to strengthen safeguards for peacekeepers and to hold perpetrators accountable. Protecting peacekeepers is essential for maintaining stability and security in conflict zones, and upholding international law requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this incident.
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