On 31 March 2026, two women and five children were killed during indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas in Dillinj city by RSF and SPLM/N forces. The end of March and early April witnessed intense fighting in Dillinj, South Kordofan. A resident reported: “I lost my cousin and uncle on 6 April when SAF shelled SPLM/N and RSF positions in Dillinj.”
Dillinj is experiencing unprecedented atrocities against civilians, who remain trapped in the city with few options to escape. On 30 March 2026, at least seven people, including five women, were killed when RSF drones targeted a convoy of internally displaced persons (IDPs) traveling on traditional carts near Aldebeibat, as they fled South Kordofan toward Al-Obeid in North Kordofan.
The scenario unfolding in Dillinj mirrors the tragedy of Al-Fashir. Daily attacks by RSF and its ally SPLM/N against civilians, coupled with the destruction of essential infrastructure, have created catastrophic humanitarian conditions. The siege around the city prevents supplies from entering. Although the road from Kadugli is technically open, ongoing fighting severely restricts the flow of goods. Markets remain largely inoperative due to continuous attacks, leaving residents without cash or access to basic necessities.
A local medical professional explained: “We are treating injured people in their homes, as the hospital in Dillinj could be targeted by drones or shelling. People are afraid to come to the hospital, and we have little to offer them either there or at home.” Continuous bombardment has made it nearly impossible for civilians to reach hospitals, food distribution points, or other essential services. A local responder added: “We had to close the community kitchen in Dillinj for more than a week due to heavy fighting. We delivered food baskets directly to homes, as people could not risk leaving to collect food.”
Thousands of civilians remain trapped under daily shelling and drone strikes. While casualty figures are not yet confirmed, reports estimate dozens of deaths and injuries in recent weeks. Dillinj hospital has sustained damage, and medical supplies and personnel are critically lacking. Food prices have skyrocketed, while cash shortages exacerbate the crisis. One resident shared: “My aunt lost 50% of the electronic bank transfer I sent her this week, as half was taken in cash exchange fees.”
Women and children are bearing the brunt of the violence. Over 70% of reported deaths in the past month were women and children, underscoring their vulnerability and lack of safe passage. Civilians are caught between SPLM/N and RSF forces attacking the city, and SAF defending positions within and around Dillinj.
A woman activist from South Kordofan emphasized: “Most of the people here are IDPs. Even those living in better conditions elsewhere in Sudan lack the resources to support their families inside the city.”
The international community must act urgently to protect civilians in Dillinj, end indiscriminate shelling and drone bombardments, and prevent another atrocity akin to Al-Fashir. Immediate intervention is required to halt the attacks and safeguard the lives of those trapped in Dillinj , South Kordofan.
Recommendations:
To the international community to:
- Call on fighting parties to halt attacks on Dillinj and open safe passages for civilians and goods.
- Broaden the arms embargo throughout Sudan, with particular emphasis on limiting drone supply chains to both parties involved in the conflict.
- Strengthen negotiations to secure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid organizations, both local and international.
- Increase flexible, trust-based funding for locally driven response initiatives, including those led by women and youth, to ensure timely support for urgent lifesaving needs.
- Allocate resources to support locally developed protection strategies for civilians, such as facilitating safe passage agreements, community-organized evacuation plans, and other mechanisms negotiated at the local level.
To the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
- Issue a public statement condemning indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
- Engage with regional and international actors to press for humanitarian access and protection of civilians.
- Prioritize the situation in Dillinj within the Human Rights Council’s agenda to prevent further escalation.
To the Sudan Independent Fact-Finding Mission:
- Conduct immediate investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Dillinj.
- Highlight the disproportionate impact on women and children in reporting to the Human Rights Council.
- Urge international humanitarian organizations to scale up emergency assistance and protection measures.
