Statement of Condemnation: Airstrike on the Civilian Dumaya Market in Nyala

The International Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (ICHRO) condemns in the strongest possible terms the airstrike that targeted the "Tangoj Station" night market in the Dumaya area, west of Nyala, South Darfur State, on the evening of Monday, 26 October 2026.

The strike, attributed to the Sudanese Air Force, caused a large number of deaths and injuries, amid reports of horrific human losses in a market frequented by civilians trading and securing their essential livelihoods.

Initial circulating reports indicate that the toll may exceed 200 deaths, while other statements cite at least 113 injured — figures that have not yet been subject to independent verification. These losses raise profound concern about the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe, particularly the fate of women and children, who must be protected from the dangers of military operations, and about the urgent need to document the number and identities of the victims.

The Coalition considers the targeting of a civilian market a dangerous escalation in the series of aerial attacks against Sudanese cities and marketplaces. It reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing military operations attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces, which cause civilian casualties and destroy infrastructure vital to the population's daily survival.

The Coalition affirms that civilian markets, commercial establishments and residential neighbourhoods are protected under international humanitarian law. Direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks, constitute grave violations that may amount to war crimes, and require thorough investigation and criminal accountability.

The Coalition holds the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), headed by Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, responsible for ensuring that all forces under its command comply with international humanitarian law. It calls for an immediate investigation into command and individual responsibility for this strike, including those who planned, ordered and carried it out, and stresses that war must never be used as a pretext to justify the loss of civilian lives or to foster impunity.

The Coalition urges the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) to take urgent measures to document the attack, collect testimonies from survivors and medical personnel, verify in particular the number of women and children among the casualties, and preserve evidence in order to establish responsibility and refer the findings to competent justice mechanisms.

The recurring bombardment of markets and civilian areas in Sudan requires the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and condemnation towards effective measures to protect civilians and ensure accountability. The continued absence of accountability risks encouraging further violations and deepening the humanitarian tragedy.

Sudanese lives are not military targets, and the right to life and security must not be subjected to the calculus of war or the interests of the warring parties. The protection of women, children and vulnerable groups remains a non-negotiable legal and moral obligation.

The Coalition reiterates its demand for:

• an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians;
• unhindered access for medical and humanitarian aid;
• an independent international investigation into the airstrike on the Dumaya market and other attacks on civilian markets across Sudan;
• justice and reparations for the victims and their families, and accountability for all perpetrators.

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INTERNATIONAL COALITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS

Advancing Human Rights • Peace • Justice

Geneva, 27 October 2026