At least 21 dead after boat sinks on Sudan's River Nile

At least 21 people died after a passenger boat capsized on the River Nile in northern Sudan's River Nile state on Wednesday evening. The boat, carrying nearly 30 passengers between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, sank due to high waves in the Shendi area. Rescue teams are continuing search efforts for additional bodies, with six survivors reported. The Sudan Doctors Network attributed the accident to weak regulation of river transport and a lack of safety measures on privately owned boats. They urged authorities to improve river transport safety to prevent future tragedies. The accident highlights the fragility of river transport in Sudan, where traditional boats are commonly used due to a scarcity of bridges, exacerbated by the country's ongoing conflict and strained resources.

A passenger ferry sank in Sudan's River Nile State on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including women and children. The wooden ferry, carrying 30-35 passengers between the villages of Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai, encountered an unspecified issue that led to its sinking. As of Thursday, civil defense officials reported rescuing six or seven people and continuing efforts to locate approximately a dozen missing individuals. Teams from Khartoum have been dispatched to assist in the search and recovery operation. The Sudan Doctors Network criticized the slow initial response and highlighted the fragility of river transport and lack of safety measures in the country.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2026, a drone strike on the Sheikh Ahmed al-Badawi Mosque in North Kordofan State, central Sudan, killed three children and injured 13 others. The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out the attack, alleging it was a violation of international humanitarian law. The children were reportedly studying the Quran at the time of the strike. The doctors' group stated that the RSF has previously targeted religious buildings, indicating a pattern of disregard for civilian life and religious sites. The Sudan Doctors Network is calling on the international community to take action to protect civilians, ensure aid delivery, and hold those responsible accountable.