UN expert demands end to drone attacks on Sudan’s civilian infrastructure
May 19, 2025 (GENEVA) – Attacks on critical civilian infrastructure in Sudan, particularly intensified drone strikes, are placing lives at risk, worsening the humanitarian crisis and undermining basic human rights, a U.N. human rights expert warned on Monday, calling for an immediate halt to such actions.
Radhouane Nouicer, the designated expert for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed “deep concern” that the reported availability of advanced long-range drone technology marked a “dramatic escalation” in the conflict, which has taken the war to a “new level” and further exacerbated conditions for civilians.
His warning follows an “unprecedented escalation” in drone strikes since May 4 targeting vital civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan, the capital of Red Sea State. This city has served as a critical lifeline for humanitarian operations and a relatively safe haven for internally displaced people (IDPs) since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
The attacks, allegedly attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have “endangered civilian lives and jeopardized enjoyment of rights and access to basic services,” Nouicer stated.
Targeted infrastructure has included the city’s main electricity substation, fuel and gas storage facilities, and the international airport – a key access point for humanitarian aid and civilian movement. Many attacks have occurred near densely populated areas, forcing IDPs to flee once again in search of safety.
“The recurrent attacks on critical infrastructure place civilian lives at risk, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and undermine basic human rights. The magnitude of these drone attacks represents a major escalation in the conflict, with alarming implications for civilian protection,” Nouicer warned in a statement.
He highlighted profound concern over widespread power outages and disruptions to fuel supplies, which are severely impacting essential rights such as access to food, safe drinking water, and healthcare. Some medical facilities in Port Sudan and Kassala have already been forced to operate at reduced capacity.
The recent strikes in Port Sudan are part of a broader pattern of increasing attacks, allegedly by the RSF, on critical infrastructure, including power plants in Northern, River Nile and White Nile states.
“Civilian infrastructure is protected under international law and must not be a target. It is devastating to see the continued destruction and damage to the infrastructure and social services in Sudan,” Nouicer stressed.
He called on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including refraining from deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects and respecting the principles of proportionality and precaution.