Sudan PM Calls RSF Shelling of Kloqi "War Crime"; Death Toll Exceeds 114

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamel Idriss condemned the shelling of a kindergarten and a hospital in the Kloqi area of South Kordofan by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last Thursday, describing it as a "barbaric, savage act" and a "fully-fledged war crime."

Attack Details and Casualties:

• Casualties: A local government official told Asharq Al-Awsat that the death toll rose to 114 killed and 71 injured, including 43 children, due to the drone attack by the RSF and allied forces.

• Terrorism Classification: Idriss asserted that the incident confirms the RSF meets all criteria for classification as a terrorist organization targeting civilians.

• Government Pledge: The PM promised full support for the victims and the state, and assistance to achieve stability.

International and Local Condemnations:

• African Union (AU): AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemned the targeting of civilians and medical personnel, calling it a "flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law." He urged an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and independent investigations.

• Democratic Civil Coalition (Sumood): The coalition condemned the "brutal" RSF attack but also condemned the Sudanese Army's drone strike on World Food Programme aid trucks in Darfur and North Kordofan.

• Emergency Lawyers: The independent human rights body stated that the attack aimed to expand the conflict into safe areas, holding the RSF fully responsible for targeting civilians, particularly children.