The United Nations has condemned a deadly drone strike on civilians in Kutum, North Darfur, noting that a drone attack struck a wedding ceremony in the town, killing at least 30 civilians, including women and children.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, at a news briefing on Thursday, said civilians were bearing the brunt of escalating violence.

“We condemn all attacks against civilians. We reiterate that attacks using drones against civilians and civilian objects are unacceptable. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, in line with international humanitarian law.

“In South Kordofan, clashes around the town of Dilling since last Monday have reportedly killed 47 civilians and injured dozens more,’’ he said.

Mr Dujarric said aid operations continue to be disrupted, with key supply routes closed, preventing us from pre-positioning critical health, nutrition, and water supplies ahead of the rainy season, which usually begins in June.

The spokesperson said fuel prices had surged, deepening already severe humanitarian needs.

“Once again, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and for rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to all people in need,’’ he said.

Mr Dujarric further briefed on the report from the World Food Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Sudan and Chad.

He said WFP and UNHCR colleagues were reporting that more than a million Sudanese refugees in Chad face immediate and life-threatening cuts to food, water, shelter, protection, and health care, unless they can get additional funding.

“The combined shortfall for both agencies is  $428 million. The government of Chad has generously kept its borders open to refugees throughout the Sudan conflict and now hosts 1.3 million Sudanese refugees.

“Over 900,000 of them have crossed the border since the start of the Sudan war in 2023. Chad is among the least developed countries (190 out of 193), according to our colleagues at UNDP.

“People may not have much to spare, but they continue to share what they have with the men, women, and children fleeing the war in Sudan. One in three people living in the East of Chad is now a refugee,” Mr Dujarric explained.

According to him, current resources at UNHCR provide basic assistance to only 4 out of every 10 refugees, leaving many with limited access to shelter, water, and basic health care.

Mr Dujarric said WFP had been equally impacted by the lack of funds, with less than half the resources it needs.

“The agency reaches over a million people in refugee-hosting areas with food assistance, but has already been forced to cut this support in half for the majority of refugees.

“We call on donors to mobilise funding for the next six months to sustain assistance. Chad’s continued openness should be matched by decisive international responsibility,’’ he said.

(NAN)