Drones Now Leading Cause of Civilian Deaths in Sudan's Ongoing Civil War, UN Reports

The United Nations has identified drone warfare as the leading killer of civilians in Sudan's civil conflict, publishing findings that underscore how unmanned aerial technology has transformed — and intensified — the human cost of the war between Sudan's military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UN documented 880 civilian deaths resulting from strikes attributed to both sides of the conflict during the first four months of 2026. The report highlights the growing role of drone technology in a conflict that has already displaced millions and created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

Sudan's civil war erupted in April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti. What began as a power struggle between two former allies has since expanded into a full-scale war engulfing much of the country, with particularly catastrophic consequences in the Darfur region and the capital, Khartoum.

Both the SAF and the RSF have been accused of deploying drones against civilian populations, markets, hospitals, and residential areas. The SAF has used commercially available and military-grade drones to conduct strikes in RSF-held territories, while the RSF has also been reported to have acquired drone capabilities. The proliferation of relatively low-cost drone technology has enabled both sides to conduct strikes with greater frequency and at lower operational cost than conventional air power, though often with limited precision.

Humanitarian organizations operating in Sudan have repeatedly warned of the indiscriminate nature of aerial attacks. Aid agencies have reported strikes on displacement camps, food distribution sites, and medical facilities, further complicating efforts to deliver assistance to a population already suffering from acute food insecurity.

The UN findings add fresh urgency to international calls for a ceasefire, though diplomatic efforts have so far yielded little lasting progress. Peace talks mediated by regional and international actors have repeatedly stalled, with both sides continuing offensive operations.

Sudan's conflict has produced one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with millions forced from their homes both internally and across borders into neighboring Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. The death toll across the full course of the war is believed to be significantly higher than official figures, as access for journalists and humanitarian monitors remains severely restricted across much of the country.

Why This Matters

The documented rise of drone warfare as the primary civilian killer signals a dangerous evolution in African conflict, with low-cost drone technology now accessible to non-state and paramilitary actors alike.
With 880 deaths recorded in just four months, the civilian death toll reflects a war showing no signs of abating, placing enormous strain on regional neighbors and international humanitarian systems.
The UN report may increase pressure on arms-supplying nations and regional bodies like the African Union to take more decisive action on weapons transfers and ceasefire enforcement.

Background

Sudan's civil war began in April 2023, rooted in a power struggle between SAF chief General al-Burhan and RSF commander General Dagalo — two men who had previously cooperated in ousting long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and then jointly led a military coup in 2021. Their falling out over the terms of integrating the RSF into the national army ignited open conflict in Khartoum and rapidly spread nationwide.

The Darfur region has experienced some of the worst violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias accused of ethnically targeted attacks echoing the genocide of the early 2000s. The SAF, for its part, has faced widespread condemnation for aerial bombardment of civilian areas. Both sides have been subject to UN sanctions and international condemnation, yet neither has faced meaningful accountability.

Drone technology has played an escalating role in the conflict since its early stages. Reports emerged in 2023 and 2024 of Turkish-made Bayraktar drones being used by the SAF, while both sides have also deployed smaller commercial drones for surveillance and attack purposes. The 2026 UN report represents the most authoritative accounting yet of the human cost of this aerial campaign.

Key Perspectives

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): The military government in Port Sudan has framed its aerial operations as necessary counterterrorism measures against the RSF, which it designates a rebel militia. The SAF maintains it targets military infrastructure rather than civilians.

Rapid Support Forces (RSF): The RSF, which controls large swaths of Darfur and parts of Khartoum, has similarly denied deliberately targeting civilians while accusing the SAF of war crimes. The RSF has sought to present itself as a legitimate governing force in territories it controls.

Critics/Skeptics: Human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, along with the UN itself, argue that both sides have demonstrated a systematic disregard for civilian life. Critics of the international response contend that the lack of meaningful consequences for documented atrocities has emboldened both parties to continue indiscriminate strikes.

What to Watch

Monthly civilian casualty figures published by UN monitoring bodies — any escalation above current levels could signal a major new offensive.
Progress or breakdown of ceasefire negotiations under AU and US mediation, with any formal talks representing a potential de-escalation trigger.
Reports of new drone deliveries or technology transfers to either side, particularly from Gulf states or Turkey, which could significantly alter the battlefield balance.

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