The intensification of drone attacks on energy infrastructure and civilian facilities in Sudan is creating new threats for the population. In an interview published by UN News on 3 November 2026, Denise Brown, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, warned of the consequences of strikes targeting, in particular, electrical facilities and fuel supply infrastructure.
The repercussions are already significant. Near Khartoum, a power outage caused by a strike interrupted dialysis sessions for 25 patients. Fuel shortages are also paralyzing hundreds of humanitarian trucks, hindering the distribution of food, medicine, and supplies intended for displaced persons. Markets, healthcare services, and water supplies are also suffering the effects of these disruptions.
According to the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, at least 25 attacks on electrical and energy infrastructure have been recorded across 11 Sudanese states over the past two weeks. Furthermore, The Guardian reported in an article on Monday, October 26, that "during the first three weeks of October, drone strikes killed more than 300 people and injured hundreds of others, according to a UN tally."
These events raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law. Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions to which Sudan acceded in 2006 prohibits, among other things, attacks against civilian populations and objects indispensable to their survival. The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution are binding on all parties to the conflict, including non-state armed groups.
Responsibility does not lie solely with those who directly carry out the strikes. States have an obligation to prevent violations, investigate alleged crimes, and ensure compliance with their international commitments. Companies involved in military supply chains must also adhere to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
In light of this deterioration, several measures are essential: an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure, the protection of medical facilities, the opening of safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and independent investigations to establish accountability. States and international partners must also increase humanitarian funding and leverage their influence to prevent further violations.
As Denise Brown reminds us: "This is not about politics. It is about people." Protecting the Sudanese population must now become an operational and legal priority for all stakeholders involved.
By Gael MOUTELI
