• A drone attack in Sudan's South Kordofan killed 50 people, including 33 children.
• The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are accused of perpetrating the attack.
• UNICEF condemned the violence, labeling it a violation of children's rights.
• This incident reflects ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military since April 2023.
• Communication blackouts hinder accurate reporting of casualty figures.

A drone attack by the Sudanese paramilitary forces, specifically the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted a kindergarten in the town of Kalogi, South Kordofan, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, including 33 children. This incident, described as "a horrific violation of children's rights" by UNICEF Representative Sheldon Yett, occurred amid escalating conflicts in the region, which have been ongoing since April 2023 following a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese military. Reports suggest that the attack involved multiple strikes, and subsequent assaults targeted those responding to the initial tragedy, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

The humanitarian situation in Kordofan is dire, with communication blackouts significantly hampering attempts to assess the full toll of the violence. Rights groups, including Emergency Lawyers and the Sudan Doctors' Network, attribute responsibility for the attack to the RSF, calling it a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. They also reported that the RSF has neglected the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure, and warned the death toll could rise due to these factors, according to South China Morning Post and Dawn.

The aftermath of the attack is indicative of a broader pattern of violence that has claimed thousands of lives since the outbreak of civil war, with the UN estimating over 40,000 fatalities and millions displaced. Reports indicate that the RSF has recently intensified operations in Kordofan, leading to further worries of mass atrocities similar to those witnessed in El Fasher, according to BBC, Los Angeles Times, and South China Morning Post.

The RSF has faced growing criticism, particularly for targeting civilians. Continued fighting, particularly in South Kordofan, poses significant challenges to humanitarian efforts and civilian safety as the area remains a focal point of military confrontations between the RSF and the regular army. Meanwhile, the RSF has itself accused the military of launching aerial strikes on critical infrastructure and humanitarian routes, indicating an escalating cycle of retaliation and violence, according to Los Angeles Times and Dawn.