A deadly drone strike by the Nigerian army has sparked outrage and raised questions about the use of such weapons in conflict zones. The attack, which occurred on Sunday night in Tudun Biri village in Kaduna state, killed at least 85 civilians who were attending a religious festival to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, according to local officials.
The Nigerian army said it was targeting terrorists and bandits, but did not provide any evidence or details to back up its claim. The army also did not acknowledge the civilian casualties until Tuesday, when President Muhammadu Buhari ordered an investigation into the incident and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families.
This is not the first time that the Nigerian army has been accused of killing civilians by mistake in its operations against armed groups in the north and central regions of the country. In 2017, more than 100 people were killed when a refugee camp was bombed by a fighter jet. In 2021, some soldiers died after another jet bombed their truck, thinking it was a terrorist vehicle.
Human rights groups and experts have called for more transparency and accountability from the Nigerian military, as well as stricter rules of engagement and oversight for the use of drones and other air strikes. They have also urged the government to address the root causes of the insecurity and violence that plague many parts of Nigeria, such as poverty, corruption, and marginalization.
The drone strike in Tudun Biri has also drawn attention to the global proliferation and regulation of drones, especially in Africa, where several countries have acquired or deployed them for military or security purposes. According to a report by the United Nations, at least 11 African countries have used armed drones in conflicts or counter-terrorism operations, including Nigeria, Libya, Somalia, and Mali.
While drones can offer some advantages over manned aircraft, such as lower costs, longer endurance, and reduced risks for pilots, they also pose significant challenges and risks, such as ethical, legal, and humanitarian implications, as well as potential misuse, abuse, or accidents. The international community has yet to agree on a clear and comprehensive framework for the governance and control of drones, especially in relation to human rights and international humanitarian law.
The tragedy in Tudun Biri has highlighted the urgent need for such a framework, as well as for more dialogue and cooperation among the stakeholders involved in the development and use of drones. It has also reminded us of the importance of protecting civilians and respecting their dignity and rights in times of conflict and crisis.
Source: Bloomberg
