United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Saturday’s drone strike on a UN logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, which killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and wounded eight others. This attack targeted personnel from the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) amid intensifying clashes between Sudan’s army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan, has grown increasingly dangerous since fighting erupted nationwide in April 2023, endangering civilians and international missions alike.
UN Chief Warns of War Crimes
Guterres called the assault “horrific” in an X post and extended condolences to Bangladesh’s government, the victims’ families, and injured personnel, explicitly warning that attacks on UN peacekeepers “are unjustifiable and may constitute war crimes” under international law.
Furthermore, he demanded accountability while reminding all conflict parties of their legal duty to protect civilians and UN staff. “I strongly condemn the horrific drone attacks… resulting in fatalities and injuries,” Guterres wrote, stressing that perpetrators must face consequences.
Consequently, Guterres renewed appeals for an immediate ceasefire and urged Sudan’s warring factions to restart inclusive political negotiations without delay. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, reinforced this stance, stating UN personnel “are not legitimate targets” regardless of battlefield dynamics.
UNISFA, deployed since 2011 to secure the disputed Abyei oil region between Sudan and South Sudan, now operates with nearly 4,000 troops in perilous conditions. Its mandate includes civilian protection and humanitarian access as Sudan’s conflict enters a devastating third year.
However, the UN insists sustainable peace requires Sudanese-led dialogue, not further violence against those shielding the vulnerable.
