UN Warns Drone Strikes and Arms Flows Are Fueling Sudan War, Raising Regional Security Risks

Credit: BBC

The United Nations has warned that escalating drone attacks, the continued flow of weapons, and the growing involvement of neighboring countries are intensifying the conflict in Sudan and threatening regional stability.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Thursday, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari said the conflict has worsened since the Secretariat’s last briefing in October, with renewed fighting causing widespread destruction and civilian suffering.

Khiari said recent clashes have centered in the Kordofan region, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have made significant territorial gains, including the capture of Babanusa in West Kordofan and Heglig in South Kordofan.

He noted that Heglig is a critical oil field and processing station for South Sudan’s crude oil, which is transported through Sudan to Port Sudan for export. According to reports, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) personnel withdrew into South Sudan after the capture of the area, while South Sudanese forces reportedly moved into Sudan to protect the vital oil infrastructure.

The UN official also expressed concern over increasing cross-border movements of armed groups between Sudan and South Sudan, warning that if left unchecked, the conflict could expand into a wider regional crisis.

“The increasingly complex nature of the conflict and its expanding regional dimensions could draw neighboring countries into the war,” Khiari warned.He condemned the growing use of indiscriminate drone strikes by both warring parties, saying civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred on 4 December in Kalogi, South Kordofan, where drone strikes hit a kindergarten and later targeted the hospital treating victims of the initial attack. More than 100 people were killed, including 63 children.

Khiari also reported that on 13 December, drone attacks struck the United Nations logistics base at the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism headquarters in Kadugli, South Kordofan. The attack killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and injured nine others.UNISFA has launched an investigation into the attack while evacuating all personnel from Kadugli due to the deteriorating security situation.

“The safety and security of our peacekeepers is non-negotiable,” Khiari said, adding that attacks targeting UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

The UN also raised concerns over the arbitrary detention of civilians accused of collaborating with opposing forces. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights documented the arrest and detention of 93 civilians in the Kordofan region during November alone.

Khiari stressed that the continued supply of increasingly sophisticated weapons remains a major driver of the conflict, despite repeated international calls to halt arms flows.

“The parties remain unwilling to compromise or de-escalate. While they were able to stop fighting to preserve oil revenues, they have so far failed to do the same to protect their population,” he said.

The Assistant Secretary-General called on countries backing the rival parties to use their influence to end the conflict rather than prolong it.

He said the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, continues to engage both sides to encourage dialogue aimed at reducing violence, protecting civilians, and advancing a lasting ceasefire.

Khiari added that the United Nations is working closely with regional organizations, including the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union, and the League of Arab States, to support an African Union-led political process for a peaceful, civilian-led transition in Sudan.

As the conflict approaches 1,000 days, the United Nations renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging the Security Council to take decisive action to protect civilians, ensure accountability for violations of international law, and support an inclusive Sudanese-owned peace process.