The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the horrific reported attacks in Kalogi, South Kordofan, Sudan in which more than 100 civilians, including dozens of women and children in a pre-school were reportedly killed.

Youssouf expressed his grievance on the attack in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Nuur Mohamud Sheekh.

The AU chairperson lamented that the deliberate targeting of children, educators, medical personnel, and civilians seeking to assist the wounded, as reported in media accounts, represents a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.

“The Chairperson is appalled by the repeated and escalating atrocities committed against civilians in the region and deeply concerned by reports of continued aerial bombardment, drone attacks, and assaults on vital civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools,” Sheekh said.

Sheekh added that Youssouf has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire by all parties to halt the bloodshed, as well as the full protection of civilians — particularly children, women, and the elderly — in line with international law.

The AU boss has further urged unhindered humanitarian access to enable lifesaving assistance to reach affected communities.

Youssouf has also stressed the need for accountability for all violations, calling for independent investigations to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.

“The African Union stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan and reiterates its commitment to working with regional and international partners to prevent further atrocities and support a return to dialogue, peace, and stability,” the statement read.

Last month, the United Nations (UN) Women expressed deep alarm and condemned the escalating attacks on women, girls, and civilians in and around El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan.

The organisation, in a statement, described the situation as catastrophic, noting that for more than 500 days, women and girls have been subjected to siege, bombardment, and deliberate starvation.

According to reports, nearly 300,000 women and girls, about half of the 575,000 people trapped in the city, are surviving on animal feed and leaves amid acute hunger and insecurity.

UN Women said the takeover of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marks a shift from siege to mass atrocity, with reports of killings, rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and abductions of women and girls.

Local medical networks, including the Sudan Doctors Union, have reported that over 2,000 civilians, among them many women and girls, have been killed in recent days.

On October 30, nearly 500 patients and their companions were allegedly killed in attacks on the Saudi Maternity Hospital, where women had sought refuge and medical care. There are also credible reports of attacks on health workers.

Satellite images and video evidence reportedly show burnt homes, desecrated bodies, and mass graves. Meanwhile, communications blackouts have hindered verification of atrocities and blocked humanitarian access, preventing aid agencies from delivering life-saving assistance to those trapped in the conflict.