United Nations reports sharp rise in Sudan civilian deaths from drone strikes

Drone strikes have become the primary cause of civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, according to a recent assessment by the United Nations. The international organization reported that unmanned aerial vehicles accounted for more than 80 percent of civilian deaths recorded at the start of this year. This shift in warfare highlights a growing reliance on remote technology in the country's internal power struggle.

The findings from France24 Africa indicate a significant change in the nature of the violence affecting Sudanese urban and rural populations. While traditional artillery and small arms fire have historically driven casualty figures in the region, the deployment of drones has intensified the risk to those not involved in the fighting. The UN did not specify the origin of the drones, but the high percentage of fatalities attributed to them suggests a widespread integration of these systems into active military operations.

Sudan has been embroiled in a protracted conflict that has displaced millions and devastated national infrastructure. The use of drones complicates the security landscape, as these platforms can conduct surveillance and deliver lethal payloads with minimal risk to the operators, often blurring the lines between military targets and residential areas. The UN's report underscores the escalating technological scale of the confrontation and the resulting impact on humanitarian safety.

Separately, the report addressed administrative challenges regarding migration in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the North African coast. Spanish authorities are currently determining the status of more than 1,000 unaccompanied minors who have remained in the territory. Legal restrictions prevent the immediate deportation of these children, leaving the government to seek alternative solutions for their long-term care and housing within the enclave or the mainland.

Based on reporting by France24 Africa.