The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has condemned the shelling that targeted the Ghebeish local market in West Kordofan State on the morning of 19 May 2026, which resulted in the killing of 28 civilians and the injury of dozens with varying degrees of severity.
According to CFJ’s documentation, the attack occurred while the market was crowded with civilians. The market is one of the main hubs relied upon by residents in West Kordofan and surrounding areas for access to food and essential goods, which led to a high number of civilian casualties.
The Committee stressed that targeting markets and civilian areas constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the rules related to the protection of civilians and civilian objects during armed conflict.
The Committee for Justice expressed concern over the recurrence of attacks targeting markets and vital facilities, and the resulting worsening of humanitarian and living conditions amid the ongoing crisis in conflict‑affected areas.
CFJ called for an end to the targeting of civilians and civilian objects, the launch of an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the attack, and the need to ensure accountability and prevent impunity, while respecting the rules of international humanitarian law.