النص العربي بالاسفل Fikra for Studies and Development strongly condemns the Sudanese Air Force’s bombing of the Turra area in North Darfur on March 24, 2024, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to Adam Rahal, spokesperson for the General Coordination of Displaced Persons Affairs in Darfur, the airstrike targeted the local market in the village of Turra, killing at least 54 people and injuring dozens, based their documented report. Independent sources informed Fikra for Studies and Development that, as of March 26, the civilian death toll had risen to nearly 200, with ongoing efforts to confirm additional casualties. The targeting of densely populated civilian areas by the Sudanese military is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime. The atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians do not justify, under any circumstances, the SAF’s attacks on civilian areas. Furthermore, nothing absolve the Sudanese government of its responsibility for civilian casualties and destruction. Violations against civilians and the killing of innocent people is to be condemned unequivocally, regardless of the perpetrator. The use of military airpower must adhere to strict legal and operational standards under international humanitarian law. It must respect the principles of distinction between civilian and military targets and proportionality, which prohibits strikes that cause excessive civilian harm relative to military advantage. The use of airstrikes must be precise, targeting only predefined military objectives. Ensuring civilian protection and minimizing or completely preventing harm on them must always be the priority. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, demanding urgent action to protect civilians. As fighting escalates in Darfur following the military’s recapture of Khartoum, Fikra for Studies and Development reiterates its call for the establishment of Safe Green Zones across Sudan. These zones must be free from military operations and free from any armed presence, except for law enforcement forces, to serve as safe havens for civilians. Fikra for Studies and Development March 27, 2025 |
