Report on the Drone Strike by the Sudanese Army on the Local Market of Kuma – North Darfur State (June 1, 2025)

Introduction

Since the outbreak of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on April 15, 2023, Darfur has witnessed an escalating wave of violence and grave violations of international humanitarian law. Civilians have become direct targets of attacks, including the use of aerial weapons and drones.

In this context, the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization documents the aerial attack carried out by a Sudanese Army drone on the local market of Kuma, North Darfur State, on June 1, 2025. The strike resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of unarmed civilians. The report is based on eyewitness testimonies and verified local sources.

Background of the Incident

Kuma is located about 78 kilometers east of El Fasher and is known for its civilian and commercial character. Every Sunday, its market attracts hundreds of citizens from neighboring areas such as Um Kadada, Um Sidra, and Mellit to buy and sell essential goods.

Eyewitnesses reported to the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization that at approximately 1:00 PM Sudan time on Sunday, June 1, 2025, during peak market hours, a Sudanese Army drone fired a missile into a gathering of civilians in the market, resulting in a horrific massacre.

Incident Details

1. Confirmed death toll: 32 people, including women and children.
2. Number of injured: Dozens, though an exact count is unavailable due to communication challenges.
3. Condition of the injured: Critical, amid shortages in medical supplies and staff at the rural hospital.
4. Burial of victims: 17 unidentified bodies were buried in city cemeteries after being completely burned.
5. Bodies transported by: Emergency room teams and local volunteers.
6. Total airstrikes since the conflict began: This marks the 130th airstrike.

List of Some Victims

1. Saleh Mohammed Abdullah
2. Youssef Al-Faki
3. Abdulrahman Matar
4. Nasser Mohammed Hamed
5. Mohammed Khalifa Zakaria
6. Youssef Rabah Hasballah
7. Mohammed Radi Omda
8. Mudathir Ibrahim Hadq
9. Moayad Hamida Abdulrahman
10. Suleiman Mohammed Suleiman (Um Hijaleej)
11. Mohammed Ali Abdulrahman
12. Mohammed Al-Sadiq Youssef
13. Mohammed Hussein Hamed
14. Hamad Mohammed Ahmed
15. Unidentified burned body

Legal Framework

This incident constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, including:

1. The Geneva Conventions (1949) and Additional Protocols, which prohibit attacks on civilians and civilian facilities during armed conflicts.
2. The principles of proportionality and military necessity, which were completely disregarded, as there was no clear military target within the market.
3. International human rights law, particularly the right to life and the protection of civilians from violence.
4. Potential war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which defines “intentionally directing attacks against civilian populations” as a war crime in non-international armed conflicts.

Recommendations

To the Sudanese Armed Forces

1. Immediately cease targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
2. Adhere to international humanitarian law and hold accountable those responsible for the attack.
3. Cooperate with independent international bodies for investigations.

To the Rapid Support Forces

1. Stop using civilians as human shields or cover for military operations.
2. Fully comply with international humanitarian law.

To the International Community and the UN Security Council

1. Launch an independent international investigation into the massacre.
2. Impose sanctions on leaders responsible for violations in Darfur.
3. Support the creation of an international monitoring mechanism in Sudan to protect civilians.

To International Organizations

1. Deploy fact-finding teams to North Darfur.
2. Provide urgent medical and humanitarian support for victims and displaced persons.
3. Document crimes and prepare legal files for submission to international courts.

Conclusion

The attack on Kuma’s market is nothing short of a deliberate massacre against defenseless civilians in a crowded commercial area. It reflects a recurring pattern of civilian targeting in Darfur. The continuation of such crimes in the absence of accountability poses a severe threat to regional peace and security, undermining efforts for dialogue or democratic transition in Sudan.

This is a deeply troubling report, reflecting the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.