The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday said that humanitarians on the ground in Sudan report that ongoing fighting continues to exert a deadly toll on civilians across multiple parts of the country, especially using lethal drones.
Stéphane Dujarric, who was briefing the press in New York, said that in North Darfur State, at least eight civilians were reportedly killed and several others injured in an attack on a village in Um Baru on Sunday.
“The market in the village was looted, residents fled to nearby areas, and the village’s primary healthcare unit reportedly suspended services due to the insecurity,” he said. “Last week, in North Kordofan State, a series of drone attacks in and around the state capital, El Obeid, reportedly killed nine civilians, including a volunteer with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, and damaged fuel stations, water facilities, and other civilian infrastructure.”
“In South Darfur, drone strikes reportedly injured civilians in the state capital, Nyala, last Friday, while intercommunal tensions disrupted the movement of people and closed major markets. In Central Darfur, similar tensions have delayed food assistance for about 31,000 people in the locality of Mukjar,” Dujarric added.
He said that all of these attacks are making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations to reach people in need.
“Despite these challenges, humanitarian assistance continues. In East Darfur State, a shipment of 3,000 tents arrived in Shearia on Saturday for distribution to displaced families in the coming days,” he said. “We reiterate that civilians, humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times and all parties must facilitate safe, rapid, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access.”
Relatedly, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who addressed the Global Update to the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, said that the world faces very serious human rights challenges.
“An unprecedented, shameless onslaught against international law is causing appalling human suffering. We must call it out, every time and everywhere, and work to contain and end it, he said. “In Sudan, the horrific conflict has expanded and escalated, marked by a sharp increase in the use of drone warfare. Between January and May 2026, our Office documented more than 1,000 civilians killed by drone strikes. Rape and sexual violence are rampant.”
In Abyei, Dujarric said the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) facilitated a multi-day, post-migration conference in Abyei, bringing together over 120 Ngok Dinka and Misseriya participants to advance dialogue, civilian protection, and peaceful coexistence.
“The conference, which marks the end of the migration season, was closed by the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha,” he stated. “This season stands out as one of the most peaceful in recent years, with no major security incidents and no loss of life recorded. The prominent role of women and youth highlighted the importance of inclusive, community-driven approaches to sustaining peace and stability.”
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