{
  "id": 16062602,
  "title": "African Union condemns deadly drone attacks in Sudan and Abyei",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/african-union-condemns-deadly-drone-attacks-in-sudan-and-abyei",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T14:52:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/african-union-condemns-deadly-drone-attacks-in-sudan-and-abyei/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The African Union Commission's Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned a series of deadly drone attacks in Sudan and the disputed Abyei Area, which have reportedly claimed over 250 lives. In a statement on Thursday, October 22, Youssouf expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties, citing reports from local sources and medical professionals. The attacks have reportedly killed around 80 people in Al-Dibab, West Kordofan, on October 18, 23 in Nyala, South Darfur, following an attack on October 16, and at least three children in Khartoum on October 19. Separately, more than 150 people were killed in an attack on the Amiet market in the Abyei Area on October 19. Youssouf deplored the heavy toll on civilians, who continue to endure deaths, displacement, destruction of livelihoods, and disrupted access to essential services. He expressed solidarity with affected communities and extended condolences to bereaved families, wishing the injured a swift recovery. The AU Commission Chairperson called on all parties involved in the conflicts to immediately cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, protect humanitarian and medical personnel, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, in line with international law. Reiterating the African Union's commitment to Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, Youssouf urged all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate the conflict or threaten the country's unity. He emphasized his support for regional and international mediation efforts, advocating for a coordinated approach to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and initiate an inclusive political process led and owned by the Sudanese people.",
  "summary": "The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned a series of deadly drone attacks in Sudan and the disputed Abyei Area, with reports indicating that more than 250 people have been killed in separate incidents.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "How Sudan’s shift to drone warfare is fuelling a civilian crisis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/how-sudans-shift-to-drone-warfare-is-fuelling-a-civilian-crisis",
        "published": "2026-10-22T13:35:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}