Sudan's Air War: A Civilian Nightmare
The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan has reached a terrifying peak, with the Sudanese Air Force's bombing campaigns devastating civilian areas. Recent findings from the Sudan Witness Project reveal a harrowing statistic: at least 1,700 civilians have perished in airstrikes targeting residential neighborhoods, markets, and schools.
This relentless aerial campaign began in April 2023 and has drawn international condemnation for its indiscriminate nature. The urgency to highlight these violations stems from a profound belief that investigative journalism should expose the truth and empower change—an ethos that I hold dear in my reporting.
A Closer Look: Data from the Ground
The Sudan Witness Project, a dedicated initiative by the Center for Information Resilience (CIR), compiled what is described as the largest known dataset on military airstrikes during this conflict. This data not only reveals the sheer scale of the violence but also indicates the growing patterns of air raids within populated areas.
“The patterns strongly suggest that the SAF isn't doing enough to avoid civilian casualties,” says Mark Snoeck, who led the research.
Indeed, the data chronicles a staggering 384 airstrikes within the time frame of April 2023 to July 2025. With 135 instances affecting residential areas and 35 strikes hitting markets often during peak times, the human cost has been extraordinary.
Alarming Trends and Consequences
Reports indicate that airstrikes have also struck vulnerable sites such as health facilities and educational institutions, further worsening the humanitarian crisis. In their quest for military glory, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) seem prepared to disregard the very lives they claim to protect.
Sudan Witness has adopted a rigorous methodology that assesses and visualizes these strikes through an interactive map. This transparency is vital for understanding the gravity of the situation, as it encapsulates not just numbers but real human lives caught in the chaos.
Ethnic Violence and Accountability
The backdrop to these airstrikes is an escalating pattern of ethnic violence that has erupted within Sudan. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of ethnic cleansing and continue to face international backlash. In light of such overwhelming evidence, both sides—the SAF and RSF—must be held accountable for their actions.
“The RSF is held responsible for many violations, rightly so. However, the SAF must also be critiqued for their actions,” emphasizes Snoeck.
This call for accountability aligns with the core principles of justice reform that I advocate through my work. Every reported violation must ignite public discourse and demand accountability from those at the helm.
The Role of International Observers
International observers and human rights organizations must remain vigilant in their monitoring efforts. The unacceptable trend of targeting civilians must be condemned unequivocally. Both the SAF and RSF have been accused of committing war crimes during their confrontations, making it essential for humanitarian organizations to assess the aftermath of airstrikes and provide necessary support to affected populations.
Economic Implications and Human Despair
Beyond the immediate loss of life, these air raids significantly disrupt local economies and exacerbate humanitarian crises. Markets serve not just as commercial hubs but as essential components of community stability. Bombing these locations not only causes immediate casualties but leads to long-term economic distress.
The reports detail instances where hundreds gather in markets, turning everyday life into a lottery. The destruction of livelihoods, coupled with compounded emotional trauma, presents a bleak outlook for recovery.
The Global Responsibility to Act
As international citizens, we must advocate for intervention. Indifference in the face of suffering fortifies the status quo of violence and oppression. Highlighting these realities is not just a journalistic duty; it is a moral imperative that demands our collective action.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
With the impending publication of the full Sudan Witness report on December 10, the global community will have yet another opportunity to confront the undeniable atrocities happening in Sudan. The meticulous work of investigators serves as proof that the truth can and must be revealed. As I reflect on the enormity of these findings, I am reminded that our role as journalists is not merely to inform but to compel action and inspire change in the face of abhorrent injustices.
We cannot remain silent. The civilians being targeted deserve our attention and action.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0k7g202l2o
