On Sunday, September 13th, an estimated 11 explosions shook Edamazine, the regional capital of Blue Nile State, according to the Sudan Tribune. Witnesses stated that several projectiles fell near a military hospital and the city’s airport, while others also reported that a civilian fuel station and other infrastructure were struck. At least four civilians were reported killed and several wounded when drone strikes hit the regional capital.
At DWAG, we are extremely concerned about the recently escalated drone attacks in Edamazine that terrorized, killed, and displaced countless innocent civilians in the Blue Nile.
This horrifying attack marks a serious development in the months-long advances by the RSF and allied SPLM-N fighters in the region. Fighting has intensified across strategic areas including Kurmuk, Geissan and Bau, with recent operations involving ground offensives, artillery and increasingly advanced drone warfare.
For the nearly 100,000 people already displaced across the Blue Nile state, according to the latest International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports, further fighting could force additional communities to flee their homes and further restrict access to food, water, healthcare, and education. It will further hinder humanitarian access.
The recent attacks in the Blue Nile are not isolated incidents; it is part of the systemic use of drones by the RSF in an effort to regain more territories after their retreat from Khartoum and central Sudan.
There are credible allegations indicating that attacks in the Blue Nile areas are directed from a military base on the border with Ethiopia. Sources report that the porous border between Ethiopia and Sudan represents a key supply line for the RSF and its allies. Our concern is that these attacks, if allowed to continue, may create a regional spillover that will affect the entire region.
Tension is already at an all-time-high between Ethiopia and Sudan. Khartoum has repeatedly accused Ethiopia of supporting the Rapid Support Forces, including allowing them to launch attacks from its territory and hosting training camps for its fighters. Satellite analysis by the Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) in late August warned of a potential major escalation by the RSF in Ed Damazine in its latest report. Between August 23 and 28, a noticeable buildup of military activity and equipment was recorded at an Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) base in Asosa, western Ethiopia. Addis Ababa continues to deny these accusations.
These escalating attacks, and the war in Sudan, continue in part due to the international community’s failure to take serious measures to hold the warring parties accountable for serious international crimes, including genocide in Darfur, and to protect civilians.
The UN Security Council on Friday, September 11, voted to extend the arms embargo for one month under the 1591 SC resolution on Sudan sanctions regime, amidst continued debates on whether to expand measures to include all of Sudan. The current arms embargo remains limited to Darfur, despite the expansion of the conflict and the continued flow of weapons and military support across Sudan. However, the arms embargo on Darfur has been repeatedly violated, including by some member states such as the UAE. To be effective, the arms embargo needs to be enforced, and those who violate any Security Council measures must be held accountable.
The Representative for the United States voiced concerns over delayed action, stating that “a long-term technical rollover of this mandate is not an option”. The Delegates from the UK and Latvia similarly supported the need to be more flexible in the wake of the evolving conflict, while other council members argued otherwise.
Meanwhile, civilian casualties have increased each day, with a lack of basic services exacerbated by the destruction of service infrastructure. This war on the people of Sudan is a political failure which necessitates immediate and decisive action.
Darfur Women Action Group is deeply concerned about these indiscriminate attacks on civilian sites, service facilities, and the alarming escalation in violence, putting civilians at great risk. Millions of Sudanese have been displaced from their homes with no possibility of return, as the perpetrators of these attacks have yet to be apprehended or held accountable for their atrocities. While civilians’ fear on the ground increases, the perpetrators have been emboldened due to impunity and inaction by world leaders.
We call on members of the UNSC to:
- Make Sudan a primary focus of the UNGA session, calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians.
- Support and fully resource the UN Fact-Finding Mission, expanding its mandate and independence from political interference, and use its findings for referrals future accountability, including criminal and financial accountability.
- Support the continued UN Fact-Finding Mission investigations into the responsibility of transnational actors providing assistance to the RSF and contributing to international crimes.
- Urge members of the Security Council to support US action in expanding the arms embargo across the entirety of Sudan, including unmanned aerial technology, prohibition of drones and increasing experts monitoring compliance on the ground.
Attack on civilians must not be tolerated; the United states and the international community must not let the situation in Edamazine reach the level of Elfasher or Elgenaiana. The people of Sudan deserve protection, peace and justice.
With gratitude,
Niemat Ahmadi
Founder and President, Darfur Women Action Group
For inquiries, please contact: policy@darfurwomenaction.org
For more resources and to find ways in which you can help, go to: www.darfurwomenaction.org