Sudan Demands UNISFA Abyei Market Attack Investigation

• On October 24, 2026, Sudan requested UNISFA to investigate a drone attack on Abyei's Na'am market.
• The October 19, 2026, attack killed 80 people, injured 19, and left others missing, according to UN figures.
• Sudan's Foreign Ministry denied its army's involvement, comparing the incident to a 2025 RSF attack on UNISFA.
• South Sudan's Foreign Ministry accused the Sudanese army and summoned Sudan's ambassador in protest.
• Sudan emphasized the critical need for accountability, transparency, and civilian protection in the investigation.

The call for an urgent and transparent inquiry underscores the critical need for accountability and the prevention of impunity for those responsible for such grave acts.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Sudan formally requested that the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) launch an immediate and thorough investigation into a recent drone attack on a major market in the disputed Abyei region. Al-Khair Abu Mareidat, who chairs Sudan's Supervisory Committee for Abyei, issued the call for UNISFA to identify the parties responsible for the assault on the Na'am market, also known as Amit market.

The attack, which occurred on October 19, 2026, involved drone strikes targeting the bustling market. According to United Nations figures, the incident tragically resulted in the deaths of 80 individuals and left 19 others wounded, with an unspecified number of people still reported missing. Abu Mareidat emphasized the necessity of an urgent and transparent inquiry to fully uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack, ensuring that those involved are held accountable and do not evade justice.

The demand for an investigation comes amidst a backdrop of conflicting claims regarding responsibility for the deadly strike. Sudan's Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, explicitly denied any involvement by the Sudanese army in the Abyei market attack. The ministry drew parallels between this incident and a shelling attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in December 2025, which targeted UNISFA headquarters in Kadugli, South Kordofan, and resulted in the deaths of several peacekeepers.

Conversely, the Foreign Ministry of South Sudan directly accused the Sudanese army of orchestrating the attack. In response to the bombing, South Sudan summoned the Sudanese ambassador in Juba to formally register its protest. This exchange of accusations highlights the ongoing complexities and heightened tensions within the Sudan South Sudan Abyei conflict, underscoring the critical need for an impartial investigation to ascertain the facts.

Al-Khair Abu Mareidat expressed profound regret over the attack and the resulting civilian casualties, stressing that the protection of civilian lives and the safeguarding of their security and safety are paramount responsibilities. He affirmed Sudan's serious commitment to fulfilling its obligations to protect its citizens and to shield the region's inhabitants from the dangers of war and armed assaults. This aligns with the broader UNISFA mandate, which includes the protection of civilians in the Abyei area.

The call for an urgent and transparent inquiry underscores the critical need for accountability and the prevention of impunity for those responsible for such grave acts. An impartial UNISFA investigation request Sudan could provide crucial clarity regarding the Abyei Na'am market attack, potentially informing future strategies for civilian protection and conflict resolution in the volatile region. The findings will be vital for understanding state responsibility and upholding international humanitarian law.

Lawyers advising on international humanitarian law, conflict resolution, or state responsibility should closely monitor the UNISFA investigation into the Abyei market attack. The findings could establish precedents for accountability, inform future claims regarding civilian protection, or highlight potential violations by involved parties, impacting international legal strategies and diplomatic engagements.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune