In a harrowing escalation of violence in Sudan’s North Darfur state, at least 12 civilians were killed and 17 others wounded when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled El-Fasher Hospital, according to local doctors. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, has been condemned as a grave violation of international law, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in a region already reeling from protracted conflict.
The Sudan Doctors Network, a coalition of medical professionals, reported that among the injured were a female doctor and a nursing staff member, highlighting the direct targeting of healthcare workers who have been struggling to provide care under increasingly perilous conditions. The assault on El-Fasher Hospital, a critical medical facility in the region, has drawn widespread outrage, with the medical group labeling it a “full-fledged war crime” and an egregious violation of international humanitarian laws that explicitly protect health facilities and their personnel.
The Sudan Doctors Network issued a scathing statement, accusing the RSF of showing “complete disregard for the lives of civilians” and the sanctity of medical institutions. The group called on the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, to take immediate and decisive action to halt attacks on healthcare facilities and civilian residences. They also urged global leaders to prioritize the protection of Sudan’s beleaguered health system, which has been pushed to the brink of collapse in El-Fasher and other conflict zones across the country.
As of now, the RSF has not issued an official response to the allegations, leaving the international community and local residents awaiting clarification or accountability from the paramilitary group. The lack of a statement from the RSF has only deepened the frustration of those affected, as the attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents attributed to the group in the ongoing Sudanese conflict.
The city of El-Fasher, a vital hub for humanitarian operations serving the five Darfur states, has been under a suffocating blockade imposed by the RSF since May 10, 2024. Despite repeated warnings from international organizations about the dire consequences of isolating the city, the RSF has maintained its stranglehold, severely restricting access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies. This blockade has exacerbated the suffering of civilians, many of whom rely on El-Fasher’s humanitarian infrastructure for survival.
The attack on El-Fasher Hospital is part of a broader pattern of violence that has engulfed Sudan since mid-April 2023, when clashes erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The conflict, rooted in a power struggle between the two factions, has unleashed unprecedented devastation across the country. According to estimates from the United Nations and local authorities, more than 20,000 people have been killed, and approximately 15 million others have been displaced, either within Sudan or as refugees in neighboring countries. These figures, while staggering, may only scratch the surface of the true toll. A recent study conducted by American universities has suggested that the death toll could be as high as 130,000, a figure that underscores the catastrophic scale of the crisis.
The violence in Sudan has not only claimed lives but has also obliterated infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and pushed millions to the edge of starvation. Hospitals, schools, and civilian homes have become frequent targets, despite their protected status under international law. The attack on El-Fasher Hospital is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by medical professionals who continue to operate in war-torn areas, risking their lives to provide care to the wounded and sick.
The Sudan Doctors Network’s appeal to the international community reflects a growing sense of urgency to address the crisis in Darfur and beyond. The targeting of healthcare facilities is not only a violation of the Geneva Conventions but also a direct assault on the fundamental principles of humanity. Hospitals are meant to be sanctuaries where the injured and vulnerable receive care, not battlegrounds where lives are lost to indiscriminate violence.
The blockade of El-Fasher has compounded the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations attempting to deliver aid to the region. With supply routes cut off, food and medical shortages have become rampant, leaving civilians—particularly women, children, and the elderly—in an increasingly desperate situation. The RSF’s actions have drawn condemnation from human rights groups and international leaders, who argue that the blockade and attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute deliberate attempts to weaponize hunger and suffering.
The broader Sudanese conflict has its roots in a complex interplay of political, ethnic, and economic factors. The RSF, originally formed as a militia to support government operations in Darfur, has grown into a powerful paramilitary force, challenging the authority of the Sudanese army. The rivalry between the two groups erupted into open warfare in April 2023, plunging the country into chaos. Both sides have been accused of committing atrocities, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
The international response to the crisis has been criticized as inadequate, with many calling for stronger measures to hold perpetrators accountable and protect vulnerable populations. The UN Security Council, in particular, has faced pressure to impose sanctions or other punitive measures against those responsible for attacks on civilians and humanitarian facilities. However, geopolitical divisions and competing priorities have often hampered efforts to forge a unified response.
For the people of El-Fasher and other conflict-affected areas, the consequences of inaction are immediate and devastating. The destruction of El-Fasher Hospital has left the city with even fewer resources to treat the wounded, forcing medical staff to operate under unimaginable conditions. The loss of civilian lives, including those of healthcare workers, is a tragedy that reverberates far beyond the walls of the hospital, affecting families and communities already stretched to their breaking point.
The Sudan Doctors Network’s call for protection of the health system is not just a plea for the preservation of medical facilities but a broader demand for the restoration of peace and stability in Sudan. The targeting of hospitals and civilian infrastructure undermines any hope of recovery for a nation already grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Without swift and coordinated international intervention, the situation in El-Fasher and other parts of Sudan is likely to deteriorate further, with catastrophic consequences for millions of people.
As the conflict drags on, the resilience of Sudan’s people is being tested like never before. The bravery of healthcare workers, who continue to provide care despite the constant threat of violence, is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure in the face of adversity. However, their efforts alone cannot stem the tide of suffering. The international community must heed the calls for action, not only to protect civilians and medical facilities but also to address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a sustainable resolution.
In the absence of immediate intervention, the blockade of El-Fasher and the targeting of civilian infrastructure will continue to exact a heavy toll. The loss of 12 lives in the attack on El-Fasher Hospital is a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. The injured, including the female doctor and nursing staff member, represent the countless others who have been caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
The Sudan Doctors Network’s condemnation of the RSF’s actions as a “full-fledged war crime” is a call to action that cannot be ignored. The international community must act swiftly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the people of Sudan are afforded the protection and support they so desperately need. As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, the world watches, and the question remains: will the global community rise to the challenge, or will Sudan’s people be left to face the horrors of war alone?
The attack on El-Fasher Hospital is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper malaise that has gripped Sudan for far too long. The time for decisive action is now, before more lives are lost and the hope for peace slips further out of reach. The people of Sudan deserve better—they deserve a future free from violence, fear, and despair.
