Darfur Victims Support Organization
Report on Aerial Bombardment of Al-Koma Locality, North Darfur State
Date: October 31, 2024
This report documents the tragic situation in Al-Koma locality, North Darfur State, which has been subjected to repeated aerial bombardment by the Sudanese military’s air forces. The report focuses on the latest attack, which took place on October 29, 2024, and includes testimonies from the victims’ families as well as assessments of the economic and health-related impacts on the area. Additionally, urgent recommendations are presented for the relevant authorities.
Incident Summary
Al-Koma locality is situated approximately 78 kilometers east of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, and is the second-largest center for displaced persons in the state. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, a relative of the victims reported that military aircraft bombed the city with nine explosive barrels, targeting the southern neighborhood with six barrels and the eastern neighborhood with three barrels. The attack resulted in widespread destruction, affecting numerous civilian homes, including the home of Mr. Al-Nazir Mohammed Adam, the elderly and disabled woman Fatima, and the local police chief, Mr. Mohammed Abdel-Ahad. The bombing caused the deaths of two civilians:
1. Haman Hassan Hamdo, 86 years old.
2. Mohammed Ahmed Siddiq, a 6-month-old infant.
Al-Koma locality includes 23 centers for displaced persons, who have fled violence from Khartoum, El Fasher, Nyala, and Babnousa, with an estimated population of 60,000 people, mostly women, children, and the elderly.
Economic Situation
The displaced people in Al-Koma are experiencing deteriorating economic conditions as a result of the air force targeting the local market. Approximately 45 commercial stores were destroyed in an air raid on October 4, 2024. Given the displaced population’s reliance on the local market for essential goods, economic activity has declined, with many traders refraining from bringing goods for fear of further bombing. Additionally, nearly 40% of residents have fled to areas outside Al-Koma, seeking refuge in open spaces due to fear of further aerial attacks.
Health Situation
Al-Koma is facing a severe health crisis. The local hospital has been non-operational for over six months due to a lack of medical supplies and healthcare staff avoiding work due to the risk of aerial attacks. The local emergency committee attempted to clear the market of debris from previous bombings during a cleanup campaign on October 4, 2024. However, military aircraft bombed the city once again, causing panic among residents.
Repeated Appeals and an Unresponsive International Community
Despite repeated calls by national and international organizations warning the international and regional community of the serious risks posed by the deliberate use of aerial bombardment to target civilians, no response has been forthcoming. This retaliatory bombing continues under the pretext that certain communities have refused military conscription or based on arbitrary accusations of alleged support or sympathy with the Rapid Support Forces. These appeals have gone unheeded, worsening the suffering of innocent civilians and endangering the lives of thousands of displaced individuals.
Recommendations:
1. Urgent Intervention: The organization urges all international and local organizations to provide necessary humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Al-Koma, including shelter, food, and medical assistance.
2. Airspace Ban: The emergency committee calls for an advocacy campaign to enforce a no-fly zone over Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, to protect civilians from repeated bombardment.
3. Justice and Accountability: The organization demands accountability for those responsible for these violations, ensuring they are brought to justice and that victims and their families receive compensation.
The aerial bombardment of Al-Koma locality and the targeting of residential neighborhoods constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian laws and a threat to civilian lives. The dire situation in Al-Koma requires immediate international intervention to ensure civilian protection and the provision of necessary aid, alongside determined efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and end the cycle of violence in Darfur.
