Widespread condemnation of Army airstrikes on civilians in Al Koma

Political forces and Armed Movements condemned the Army airstrikes on “Al-Koma” market in North Darfur state, which killed dozens of civilians and injured hundreds of citizens.

The Army bombed the weekly “Friday” market in “Al-Koma” area, killing at least (59) people and injuring more than (200) others; while activists shared that most of the victims were torn to pieces.

The Sudanese Congress Party stated that the Army “Launched airstrikes on Al-Koma and Mellit in North Darfur, targeting gatherings of civilians while they were shopping, homes, civilian facilities and funeral marquee, resulting in (61) deaths and hundreds of injuries.”

The Party condemned what it described as “Part of a series of war crimes committed by the Army Air Force, systematically targeting civilians, and it will not be subject to a statute of limitations.”

The Sudanese Congress Party called on the Army to stop committing further crimes completely through aerial bombardment of civilian targets and to respect international laws.

Activists reported that members of the family of the Army Assistant Commander, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Jaber, including his nephew, were killed during the raid on “Al-Koma.”

The Coordination-body of the Democratic and Civil Forces “Tagadom” expressed sorrow in regards to the continued violations against civilians and their systematic repetition, calling for refraining from any attack that is expected to cause incidental -collateral- civilian damage.

The Sudan Liberation Movement – Transitional Council (SLM-TC) stated that the bombing of “Al-Koma” market and the city of Mellit was carried out with incendiary missiles and shells, announcing its condemnation and denunciation of “those barbaric and vengeful acts.”

The Movement renewed its demand to the United Nations Security Council, the international community and human rights organizations to take practical steps and serious measures to ban flights in all areas of Sudan.

It called on the Army to stop shedding the blood of the Sudanese and to side with the option of a peaceful solution, through direct negotiations to stop the war.

In a similar context, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) stated that the bombing of “Al-Koma” and Mellit “Led to a human massacre, killing (80) people and wounding (200), including children and women.”

It stressed that stopping the massacres and war requires disarming the Army’s Air Force, calling on soldiers, Army officers, police and the General Intelligence Service to declare their rebellion against their leaders, disobey orders and side with the people and the popular uprising calling for an end to the war.

The Movement, led by Suleiman Sandal, called on the UN Security Council to quickly impose a no-fly zone over Darfur as well as other active conflict zones to ensure the safety of civilians.