FikraSD Calls for International Action to Stop RSF’s Systematic Terrorist Attacks on Sudan’s Electricity and Water Infrastructure

FikraSD Calls for International Action to Stop RSF’s Systematic Terrorist Attacks on Sudan’s Electricity and Water Infrastructure

20 January 2025 

Fikra for Studies and Development (FikraSD) unequivocally condemns the ongoing systematic attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sudan’s vital electricity and water infrastructure. We call upon the international community to urgently direct its attention to these escalating and deliberate acts of terrorism. 

In recent weeks, the RSF has conducted the following attacks, utilizing highly sophisticated drones reportedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, which continues to provide weapons and logistical support to the RSF: 

1. January 13, 2025: The RSF carried out a drone attack on the Merowe Dam power station in Northern State, causing widespread power outages across several regions of Sudan. The Merowe Dam power station generates 40% of Sudan’s electricity, and this attack resulted in blackouts over vast areas of the country.
2. January 18, 2025: A series of drone attacks targeted the Al-Shouk power station in Gedaref State, leading to extensive blackouts in Gedaref, Kassala, and Sennar states. The Gedaref state water station was also attacked, further compromising access to clean water for the affected population.
3. January 19, 2025: The RSF attacked the Dongola power station in Northern State, further disrupting power across the northern regions. This assault affected essential services such as hospitals and water stations, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

These deliberate acts have significantly exacerbated Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, depriving millions of civilians of essential services and deepening their suffering amidst ongoing conflict. These attacks reflect a calculated RSF strategy, following its recent military setbacks, aimed at instilling fear, exerting pressure on the civilian population, and undermining the possibilities of restoring normal life.  

These actions are wholly unjustifiable and constitute unequivocal acts of terrorism, as defined and criminalized under international law, including but not limited to: 

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which prohibit attacks on civilian infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the population.
The International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), which criminalizes the unlawful and intentional destruction of infrastructure intended for public use.
United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1566 (2004) and 1373 (2001), which condemn acts of terrorism targeting civilians and essential services, classifying them as threats to international peace and security.

These provisions leave no ambiguity regarding the criminal nature of such actions, underscoring the RSF’s blatant disregard for international norms and humanitarian principles. Additionally, UNSC Resolutions 1566 (2004) and 1373 (2001) mandate that all states prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts, freeze funds and economic resources linked to such activities, and collaborate in combating terrorism. 

Millions of Sudanese citizens, including internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities, now face heightened risks due to these attacks on civilian infrastructure. These assaults on objects indispensable to civilian survival constitute acts of terrorism and war crimes, further undermining efforts to restore normalcy and stability in Sudan. 

We urge all actors in the international community to take immediate steps to address this crisis:

Condemn the RSF’s systematic attacks on Sudan’s infrastructure, recognizing them as acts of terrorism.
Impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for orchestrating these violations and those providing them with support.
Provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected populations, prioritizing the restoration of electricity and water services.
Ensure accountability through international mechanisms to hold perpetrators responsible for these war crimes.
We urge the Government of Sudan to stand up for the enforcement of international agreements that pertain to the protection of civilians from heinous crimes and terrorist acts committed by the RSF, and to demand that all countries comply with their international obligations in supporting Sudan in its efforts to combat terrorism and heinous crimes.

The people of Sudan deserve peace, dignity, and access to the essential services necessary for survival. Fikra for Studies and Development calls upon all actors to prioritize the well-being of Sudanese civilians and take immediate, decisive action against these crimes.