In brief
The Arab League condemned repeated unmanned aircraft attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces on vital energy infrastructure, calling the strikes a war crime and violation of international humanitarian law. The League reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s sovereignty, cited a 2026 council resolution, and urged the Rapid Support Forces to stop targeting civilians and public services.
The Arab League issued a stark condemnation today in Cairo, denouncing the repeated unmanned aerial vehicle attacks carried out by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on key energy facilities across Khartoum, Al‑Jazirah, Sennar, Gedaref, River Nile, and Red Sea. According to the General Secretariat, the strikes damaged or forced the shutdown of several power plants, producing widespread power outages that intensified the hardship of civilians in the affected regions.
The League’s statement warned that the deliberate targeting of electricity stations and essential services “constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime that warrants accountability and prosecution.” It further added that these attacks deprive civilians of necessary services and that accountability is therefore imperative.
In its remarks, the Secretariat recounted the Arab League Council Resolution No. 9246, adopted on May 11, 2026, which already condemned the infrastructure and civilian attacks in Sudan and called for swift action to protect lives and property. The League cited that resolution to strengthen its appeal to the RSF, highlighting the need for compliance with international norms and the protection of Sudan’s territorial integrity.
While the RSF has not announced a formal response in the materials available, the League’s declaration underscores Sudan’s continued reliance on regional support to uphold its sovereignty. The statement also reaffirmed the League’s steadfast position in support of the Republic of Sudan, emphasizing the preservation of its unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions.
By designating the UAV attacks as “war crimes,” the Arab League intensified the international legal scrutiny against the RSF, positioning the conflict within the broader framework of humanitarian law violations. The League’s warning implies that future law enforcement and military actions against Sudanese civilians or infrastructure could face increased condemnation and potential legal consequences on the international stage.
Moreover, the League’s condemnation reinforces the widespread perception that the Sudanese civil war has escalated from a political struggle to an international issue of war crimes and humanitarian violations. The use of unmanned aircraft, especially in densely populated areas, raises concerns about collateral damage and the protection of noncombatants.
In a broader context, the Arab League’s stance may influence other regional actors, including neighboring members, to reassess their support for the RSF. By publicly categorizing the RSF’s actions as violations, the Arab League may press for diplomatic isolation or offer that group an alternative frame to persuade it to halt its attacks.
Overall, the League’s condemnation and its call for accountability mark a definitive public stance on the ongoing security crisis in Sudan. It brings renewed attention to the reality of the conflict’s humanitarian cost and signals a possibility of escalation in diplomatic pressure on the RSF to consider adherence to international humanitarian norms.
