The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have attacked and looted the last functioning hospital in Darfur, compelling its closure, according to international aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
The RSF targeted the South Hospital in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Saturday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported late Sunday. The attack involved opening fire on both medical staff and patients, leading to the hospital’s forced closure. Michel Lacharite, head of emergency operations at MSF, condemned the assault, stating, “It is outrageous that the RSF opened fire inside the hospital. This is not an isolated incident, but opening fire inside a hospital crosses a line.”
The conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, causing the world’s largest displacement crisis and resulting in at least 15,500 deaths according to United Nations estimates. El-Fasher represents the last stronghold of the SAF in Darfur and is a crucial humanitarian hub, with hundreds of thousands of displaced people seeking refuge there amid dire conditions and looming famine.
At the time of the attack, there were 10 patients and a reduced medical team on duty, as the Sudanese Ministry of Health had begun evacuation procedures. MSF reported that most patients and staff managed to escape, but chaos prevented the verification of casualties.
The hospital had already suffered multiple hits from mortar shells and bullets between May 25 and June 3, resulting in two deaths and 14 injuries. The recent surge in fighting around el-Fasher has intensified, with more than 120 people killed in recent weeks.
El-Fasher, described by residents as “hell on Earth,” faces continuous threats of escalating violence. Toby Harward, the UN deputy humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, highlighted the precarious situation, noting that people fear for their lives daily.
The UN reports that the ongoing war in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands of lives, including up to 15,000 in a single West Darfur town, over the past 14 months. Nearly nine million people have been displaced. Both the SAF and RSF have faced accusations of war crimes, such as targeting civilians, indiscriminate shelling, and obstructing humanitarian aid. Additionally, widespread sexual violence has been reported, amounting to crimes against humanity, according to the UN.
