The African Union strongly criticised on Sunday paramilitary drone strikes killing dozens including children in southern Sudan, condemning the "repeated and escalating atrocities committed against civilians."

The attack on Thursday in the army-held town of Kalogi involved three strikes, "first a kindergarten, then a hospital and a third time as people tried to rescue the children", Essam al-Din al-Sayed, head of the Kalogi administrative unit, told AFP.

He blamed the assault on the Rapid Support Forces and their ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North faction (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al Hilu, which controls much of South Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile state.

Since April 2023, the army and the paramilitary RSF have been locked in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million.

AU chief 'appalled by repeated atrocities'

Independent verification in Kordofan remains difficult due to spotty communications, restricted access and ongoing insecurity.

In a statement shared on X, the African Union's chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf, said he was "appalled by the repeated and escalating atrocities committed against civilians in the region."

It said he "condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific reported attacks" in Kalogi, which reportedly killed "more than 100 civilians, including dozens of women and children in a pre-school."

The statement added he was "deeply concerned by reports of continued aerial bombardment, drone attacks, and assaults on vital civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools."

Youssouf also called for an immediate ceasefire, and urged "unhindered" humanitarian access.