The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned what he described as “horrific” and “deliberate” attacks on civilians in Kalogi, South Kordofan, where more than 100 people — including women and children in a pre-school — were reportedly killed.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Youssouf said he was appalled by media reports indicating that children, educators, medical personnel, and civilians attempting to assist the wounded were among the targeted victims.
He said the assault represented a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.
According to the AU Commission, the killings are part of a troubling pattern of escalating violence in South Kordofan, a region that has witnessed renewed clashes and aerial bombardment in recent months.
Youssouf expressed deep concern over continued drone attacks and the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
“The Chairperson is appalled by the repeated and escalating atrocities committed against civilians in the region,” the statement read.
“Reports of continued aerial bombardment, drone strikes and assaults on vital infrastructure are deeply alarming.”
Youssouf called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire by all parties involved in the conflict, stressing that halting the violence is essential to preventing further loss of life.
He also urged full protection of civilians — particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly — in line with international legal obligations.
The AU chief emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian access to allow aid agencies to deliver lifesaving assistance to affected communities.
Humanitarian organizations continue to warn that ongoing insecurity has severely restricted aid operations in conflict-hit parts of Sudan, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Youssouf also stressed the importance of accountability, calling for independent investigations to establish responsibility for the attacks and ensure justice for the victims.
“The need for accountability for all violations is urgent,” he said, urging that perpetrators of the “heinous acts” must be brought to justice.
The African Union, he added, stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan and remains committed to working with regional and international partners to prevent further atrocities.
The Commission reiterated its support for efforts aimed at restoring dialogue, peace, and stability in the country, which has been grappling with prolonged conflict and political turmoil.
The AU’s condemnation comes amid growing international calls for de-escalation in Sudan, where violence between armed groups and military factions continues to claim civilian lives and destabilize the region.
A drone attack on the town of Kalogi, in Sudan's South Kordofan region, is said to have hit a kindergarten and killed at least 50 people, including 33 children.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group battling the army in Sudan's civil war, was accused of Thursday's attack by a medical organisation, the Sudan Doctors' Network, and the army.
There was no immediate comment from the RSF.
The RSF, in turn, accused the army of hitting a market on Friday, December 5, 2025, in a drone attack in the Darfur region, on a fuel depot at the Adre border crossing with Chad.
Sudan has been ravaged by war since April 2023, when a power struggle broke out between the RSF and the army, who were formerly allies.
