I am alarmed by the further intensification in hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North in the Kordofan region. I urge all parties to the conflict and States with influence to ensure an immediate ceasefire and to prevent atrocities.
At least 104 civilians have been killed in numerous drone attacks across the Kordofan region since 4 December. In one incident, a drone strike that hit a kindergarten and a hospital in Kalogi, South Kordofan, killed at least 89 civilians, including eight women and 43 children.
I also strongly condemn the killing of six UN peacekeepers in drone strikes on a UN base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, on 13 December. Directing an attack against peacekeeping personnel may amount to a war crime.
On 14 December, a drone strike on a hospital in Dilling, South Kordofan, reportedly killed at least six people and injured 12 others, among them medical personnel. Medical facilities and personnel have specific protection against attack under international humanitarian law.
