A quiet marketplace in Darfur turned into a scene of horror on Monday when warplanes dropped bombs, killing over 100 people and injuring hundreds more. The attack happened in the North Darfur town of Kabkabiya, leaving families and children caught in the chaos.
Local activist groups like the Al-Fashir Resistance Committee said that at least eight barrel bombs hit the market during one of its busiest times. The group called it a deliberate and brutal act against civilians. Another group, Emergency Lawyers, called the attack a “horrific massacre” and demanded that the international community step in to investigate.
“This is a clear violation of international law. Innocent people, including children, were targeted while they were just trying to live their lives,” the organization wrote on social media.
Why Is This Happening in Sudan?
Sudan has been trapped in a violent civil war since April 2023. The conflict started because of disagreements between two powerful groups: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These two groups were once allies who worked together to remove Sudan’s former leader in 2019, but now they are fighting each other for power.
The war first began in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, but it has spread across the country, especially to regions like Darfur. As the fighting drags on, the situation for ordinary people is getting worse. Millions have been forced to flee their homes, and the United Nations says Sudan now faces the largest displacement crisis in the world.
The Impact of the Airstrikes
Monday’s bombing in Kabkabiya is one of the deadliest attacks in recent months. Survivors described scenes of chaos: people running for cover, stalls destroyed, and injured victims crying for help. The marketplace, usually a place for trade and community, has now become a symbol of the suffering in Sudan.
The Sudanese army is accused of carrying out airstrikes in the area as part of its fight with the RSF. However, the army denies being involved in the Kabkabiya attack. Both sides in this war have been accused of committing war crimes, with civilians often paying the highest price.
A Country in Crisis
This attack comes just weeks after other deadly incidents in Sudan. In October, activists reported that over 120 people were killed in new waves of violence, with the RSF accused of targeting civilians. In another attack, a passenger bus was hit by artillery fire, killing 14 people.
International efforts to stop the violence have so far failed. Peace talks led by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have not brought an end to the fighting. Meanwhile, people in Sudan face hunger, displacement, and daily danger.
What’s Next?
Human rights groups are calling for urgent action. “This isn’t just a war between two forces—it’s a humanitarian disaster,” said one activist. They are urging the international community to hold those responsible accountable and provide aid to the millions suffering in Sudan.
For now, the people of Sudan remain trapped in a nightmare with no end in sight.
