Drone attacks turn schools into danger zones
Children in the besieged Sudanese city of el‑Obeid are refusing to attend school after a series of drone attacks targeted civilian structures, including classrooms, this week. The attacks occurred amid the ongoing civil war that has engulfed Sudan since early 2023, leaving families terrified and teachers unable to guarantee safety.
The strikes have damaged several school buildings, forcing teachers to cancel lessons and parents to keep their children at home. Aid agencies report that the violence has intensified an already dire humanitarian situation, with food shortages and medical supplies dwindling. The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of Sudanese have been displaced, and the education sector is now among the most vulnerable services.
Local officials confirm that at least three schools in el‑Obeid suffered roof collapses after drones detonated nearby. Survivors describe the sound of explosions echoing through corridors, followed by dust and shattered glass. „We hear the drones, we see the smoke, and then we hear the children crying,” said a teacher who asked to remain anonymous. The Ministry of Education has halted all extracurricular activities and warned that any further strikes could render the remaining facilities unusable. International NGOs have appealed for a humanitarian corridor that would allow teachers, supplies, and students to move safely, but ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
Can education survive amid relentless air strikes?
Experts argue that the continuation of schooling depends on both security guarantees and rapid reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. UNICEF reports that more than 1.2 million Sudanese children are currently out of school, a figure that could rise if attacks persist. „Education is a lifeline for these children; without it, the long‑term prospects of an entire generation crumble,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. The organization is working with local partners to set up temporary learning spaces in tents, but these makeshift classrooms lack basic amenities and are vulnerable to the same aerial threats.
The outlook remains bleak as the conflict shows no sign of abating. Continued drone activity threatens to erode any progress made in rebuilding schools, while displacement forces families to prioritize survival over learning. Humanitarian actors warn that without an immediate ceasefire, the education crisis could become irreversible, deepening the socioeconomic scars of the war for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the drone attacks on schools in el‑Obeid? The drones are part of the broader civil war, deployed by rival factions seeking strategic advantage. Schools, located near contested zones, have unintentionally become targets.
How many children are affected by the school closures? UNICEF estimates that over 1.2 million Sudanese children have been forced out of classrooms nationwide, with a significant portion residing in el‑Obeid.
What steps are being taken to protect education? International NGOs are establishing temporary learning centers, lobbying for humanitarian corridors, and urging all parties to respect schools as protected civilian sites under international law.