A series of drone strikes over the past two weeks has caused serious damage to critical infrastructure in Port Sudan, disrupting humanitarian aid and putting civilians at great risk, according to a UN human rights expert.
Radhouane Nouicer, the UN-appointed expert on human rights in Sudan, said the attacks are making an already dire humanitarian situation even worse.
“These ongoing attacks on essential infrastructure are putting lives in danger, worsening the crisis, and violating basic human rights,” Nouicer said.
Essential services under fire
The strikes have targeted important sites including the main electricity substation, as well as fuel and gas storage facilities. This has led to widespread power outages, making it harder for people to access food, water, and healthcare. Some attacks also hit residential areas, forcing many to flee their homes.
“It is devastating to see continued destruction of infrastructure and social services in Sudan,” Nouicer added.
From aid hub to war zone
Since the civil war began in April 2023, Port Sudan has been a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid. The war has already claimed over 18,000 lives, displaced 13 million people, and left more than 30 million in urgent need of assistance.
But now, that aid lifeline is under threat. A drone strike on Port Sudan’s airport recently forced the United Nations to halt aid flights and restrict the movement of humanitarian workers.
Global call for action
Speaking at the League of Arab States Summit in Iraq over the weekend, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to act quickly.
“Multilateral efforts are urgently needed to stop the appalling violence, famine, and mass displacement,” he said.
Guterres also met with leaders of the African Union and the Arab League to find ways to improve humanitarian access and work toward a lasting ceasefire.
Wider violence across Sudan
Port Sudan is not the only area under attack. Similar drone strikes have also been reported in North River Nile and White Nile states. There, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia has allegedly targeted power stations while fighting government troops in a brutal struggle for control of the country.
Nouicer described these attacks as a “major escalation” with “alarming implications” for civilian safety.
He urged all sides in the conflict to stop attacking civilian infrastructure, reminding them that such facilities are protected under international law.
“Civilian infrastructure must never be a target,” he said.
