Darfur Victims Support Organization
Report on the Aerial Bombardment of Malit City, North Darfur, by the Sudanese Armed Forces – January 14, 2025
Introduction
Since the outbreak of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023, human rights violations have escalated across Sudan, particularly in Darfur, Kordofan, Al-Jazirah, and Khartoum. This war has led to egregious crimes against civilians, including indiscriminate killings, forced displacement, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
One of the gravest violations occurred in Malit City, North Darfur, where intense aerial bombardment by the Sudanese Air Force resulted in numerous civilian casualties and extensive destruction of public facilities and property. This report aims to shed light on this crime and document its details.
Legal Framework
1. International Humanitarian Law:
• The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols prohibit targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts.
• The use of indiscriminate weapons, such as barrel bombs, constitutes a war crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute due to their devastating impact on both civilians and combatants.
2. International Human Rights Law:
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees the protection of the right to life and prohibits indiscriminate attacks on civilians.
• Acts of violence targeting civilian populations are considered serious human rights violations under international law.
3. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court:
• Indiscriminate attacks on civilians are classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity, warranting the prosecution of those responsible.
Incident Details
On January 14, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, Sudanese Air Force warplanes launched an aerial assault on the Grand Butchery Market north of Malit and the Melga Market west of the Grand Mosque. The attack caused widespread destruction and significant human and material losses, including the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians and the destruction of property and infrastructure.
Damage Caused by the Bombardment
1. Human Losses:
• The bombardment resulted in the deaths of 25 civilians and injuries to 23 others. A list of victims’ names will be attached to this report.
2. Destruction of Infrastructure:
• Nearby shops and homes suffered extensive damage. Photographic documentation of the damage will be attached to this report.
3. Loss of Livestock:
• Twenty-seven donkeys and several horses were killed, significantly impacting the livelihoods of residents who depend on these animals for transportation and agriculture.
4. Psychological and Social Impact:
• The attack caused panic and fear among residents, particularly women and children, prompting many families to flee their homes in fear of further bombings.
Recommendations
1. To the Sudanese Armed Forces:
• Immediately cease indiscriminate bombings and ensure the protection of civilians in compliance with national and international laws.
• Conduct an independent investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
2. To the International Community:
• Dispatch independent missions to document the incident and verify the details.
• Exert pressure on the conflicting parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and stop targeting civilians.
3. To Relief Organizations:
• Provide urgent humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and those affected by the attack.
• Offer medical and psychological care to the wounded and those suffering from trauma.
4. To the International Criminal Court:
• Emphasize the need to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1593 and continue investigating serious human rights violations in Darfur since the conflict began.
Conclusion
The aerial bombardment of Malit City reflects a disturbing pattern of severe violations against civilians in Darfur. The Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization calls on the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians and hold those responsible for these crimes accountable to ensure justice and end the suffering of innocent populations.
List of Deceased and Injured Due to the Aerial Bombardment
Deceased:
1. Al-Tom Idris Khurayf
2. Muhannad Younis Adam
3. Mustafa Muhammad Ahmad
4. Ayyub Hamid al-Dom
5. Adam Ahmad Abdullah
6. Hamada Saeed Al-Miz
7. Abdulrahman Ibrahim
8. Muhammad Ahmad Hamid
9. Yousif Fadul Al-Sayed
10. Jama’a Al-Rahimah
11. Muhammad Sabil Omar
12. Salwa Ali Abkar
13. Haitham Yousif Hassan
14. Iqbal Ali Ahmad
15. Alawia Muhammad Adam
16. Sakinah Muhammad Abkar Muhammad
17. Amina Khalil
18. Muhammad Al-Fadil Abdul Hamid
19. Ahmad Rabih Jabak Allah
20. Abdul Majid Rabih Jabak Allah
21. Muhammad Al-Zaki Isa Yousif
22. Abdul Khair
23. Abdul Rahim Mukhtar Adam Ibrahim
24. Dr. Al-Tayyib Ya’qub
25. Amina Ishaq Ibrahim
Injured:
1. Jadu Ahmad Yousif
2. Al-Sadiq Yahya Khalil
3. Fatima Bakht Muhammad
4. Sakinah Muhammad Abkar
5. Mubashir Muhammad Hammuda Khamis
6. Salih Abu Jirah
7. Musab Ali Omar
8. Bahrullah Alam
9. Abdullah Abkar Ajib
10. Ibrahim Suleiman Wad Al-Umda
11. Hawwa Abu Jirah
12. Dar Al-Naeem Abu Jirah
13. Imad Al-Fadil Abdul Hamid
14. Sabil Muhammad Abkar
15. Hamida Abdul Rahman Mahdi
16. Riyad Ismail
17. Al-Nazir Ismail
18. Akhidir Jad Allah
19. Muhammad Al-Amin
20. Bella Ibrahim Rabah
21. Musab Daqam
22. Mudathir Yousif
23. Bashir Wad Abu Zriqa
Photographs of the Destroyed Commercial Sites Due to the Aerial Bombardment
