Sudan Accuses Ethiopia Of Allowing RSF Drone Attacks From Its Territory

Sudan has accused Ethiopia of allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to launch drone attacks against civilian facilities from Ethiopian territory and has filed complaints with the UN Security Council and African Union. Sudan claims 70 attacks involving 187 drones have killed and injured nearly 500 civilians this year. Ethiopia denies supporting the RSF and has counter-accused Sudan of backing TPLF-linked rebels, raising tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Sudan has lodged formal complaints with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union, accusing Ethiopia of allowing drone attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to be launched from its territory against civilian facilities in Sudan.
The accusations have added another layer of tension to the conflict between Sudan's military and the RSF, which has been fighting for control of the country since April 2023. Sudan claims that drones operating from Ethiopian territory have targeted residential areas and essential public infrastructure, including hospitals and energy facilities.
Ethiopia has denied supporting the RSF. It has also accused Sudan's army of backing armed groups linked to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), an allegation rejected by the Sudanese government.

SUDAN TAKES COMPLAINTS TO INTERNATIONAL BODIES

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sudan's Foreign Ministry accused Ethiopia of what it described as blatant aggression. It submitted complaints to the UN Security Council and the African Union's Peace and Security Council, arguing that the alleged use of Ethiopian territory for attacks against Sudan violated international law.
Sudan maintains that allowing the RSF to launch attacks from another country's territory amounts to hostile action against its sovereignty.
The complaints are intended to draw international attention to the alleged involvement of Ethiopian territory in the conflict and increase pressure for action against the reported drone operations.
However, Ethiopia's denial means the accusations remain disputed, and the claims will require independent investigation and verification.

SUDAN REPORTS 70 DRONE ATTACKS

Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council said it had documented 70 attacks involving 187 one-way attack drones launched from Ethiopian territory during the year.
According to the report, the attacks killed and injured nearly 500 civilians. The alleged targets included residential complexes, hospitals, electricity facilities and fuel stations.
One-way attack drones are designed to strike targets directly rather than return to their launch locations. Their use in conflict can cause significant damage, particularly when deployed against populated areas or essential infrastructure.
If independently confirmed, the reported attacks would raise serious concerns about civilian protection and the security of facilities needed to sustain everyday life.
Hospitals, electricity networks and fuel supplies are particularly important during wartime because they support medical treatment, emergency services, transportation and the distribution of essential goods.

SUDAN AND ETHIOPIA EXCHANGE ACCUSATIONS

The dispute reflects growing mistrust between the neighbouring countries as Sudan's war continues.
Sudan's military has repeatedly accused Ethiopia of assisting the RSF, including by allowing drone operations to originate from Ethiopian territory. Ethiopia rejects the allegations and has made its own accusations against the Sudanese army over alleged support for TPLF-linked rebels.
The competing claims have created a diplomatic dispute that extends beyond Sudan's internal conflict.
The involvement of neighbouring countries, whether directly or indirectly, could complicate efforts to contain the fighting and increase the risk of wider regional instability.

SUDAN'S WAR CONTINUES TO THREATEN CIVILIANS

The conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF began in April 2023 after a power struggle between the two military forces escalated into open warfare.
The fighting has devastated communities, damaged infrastructure and forced millions of people from their homes. Civilians have faced serious risks from airstrikes, shelling, armed attacks and the breakdown of essential services.
The alleged drone attacks add to concerns about the expanding use of technology in the conflict and the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure.
Hospitals and power stations are especially critical in a country where the war has already weakened healthcare services and disrupted electricity and water supplies.

DIPLOMATIC PRESSURE AND INVESTIGATION MAY SHAPE THE NEXT STEPS

Sudan's complaints place the allegations before international institutions responsible for addressing threats to peace and security.
The UN Security Council and
the African Union may face pressure to examine the claims, establish whether attacks originated from Ethiopian territory and determine whether any international obligations have been breached.
Independent verification will be important because the accusations are strongly disputed by Ethiopia. Any response will also need to consider the protection of civilians and the risk of further escalation between the neighbouring countries.
As Sudan's war continues, the dispute highlights how the conflict could increasingly affect regional relations and security beyond its borders.