Cover — Khartoum

Society - 29 April 2026

Sudan Army Accused of Drone Strike on Zalingei Displaced Camp

By Amina Kabasele3 min readFrançais

Zalingei, April 27, 2026 - A Sudanese displacement advocacy group has accused the army of carrying out a drone strike on a crowded camp for displaced persons in Zalingei, Central Darfur, injuring at least 15 civilians. The General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur said the strike targeted Square 4 of the Hamidiya camp on Monday morning, with the injured taken to Zalingei Hospital for treatment. The group reported that several shelters were destroyed, triggering panic among residents, particularly women and children. The incident comes amid a reported increase in drone operations across Darfur, where the Sudanese army has intensified aerial strikes in areas largely under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Groups aligned with the RSF have accused the military of targeting civilian locations, while the army maintains that its operations are directed at RSF positions, including weapons depots, fuel storage sites, and drone facilities. The displacement coordination body described the attack as a serious violation of international humanitarian law, warning that continued strikes on civilian and humanitarian sites could have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations. Humanitarian agencies have also raised concerns over the growing use of drones in the conflict. Recent incidents have included attacks on aid convoys and infrastructure, disrupting the delivery of essential assistance to displaced communities. According to aid officials, millions of people remain internally displaced across Sudan, with hundreds of thousands more seeking refuge in neighboring areas. The targeting of camps and humanitarian operations has heightened fears over the safety of civilians and the sustainability of relief efforts. The group called on international and regional organizations to take urgent steps to protect civilians, ensure safe access for humanitarian aid, and support independent investigations into alleged violations.

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