Nearly 1,000 civilians have lost their lives and hundreds more have been injured due to military drone strikes across Africa, according to a report. This rising trend of civilian casualties is a result of the unchecked proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles on the continent. Analysts have identified a significant pattern of harm to civilians, with little to no accountability. Despite the growth of armed drones being closely monitored in Ukraine and Russia, the increasing use of cheaper imported drones in Africa, such as Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2, has received little attention. Experts warn that without a new control regime implemented by the international community, there will likely be more civilian deaths resulting from the use of armed drones. The use of armed drones has been confirmed in six conflicts in Africa: Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia, where most attacks have occurred. Drone strikes in these countries have resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties. The report highlights the risks and consequences of armed drones in conflicts, such as in Sudan’s civil war where their use in populated areas has had severe consequences for civilians. The Drone Wars UK report also draws attention to the popularity of “medium altitude, long endurance” drones in Africa, which can be flown remotely for long distances and conduct surveillance as well as airstrikes. The majority of armed drones in Africa are imported from Turkey, China, and Iran. The report highlights the dangers and concerns of armed drones in African conflicts, such as the use of drones in populated areas, and calls for better control and accountability.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/10/drone-attacks-killing-hundreds-of-civilians-across-africa-says-report