A critical lifeline has been severed in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region. The main hospital in al-Fashir, the regional capital, was attacked and shut down on Sunday, June 9th, 2024, by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a medical charity that supports the facility, reported the attack, raising concerns about the fate of thousands left without essential medical care.
Al-Fashir Hospital: A Crucial Casualty
The targeted hospital served as the sole medical center in al-Fashir equipped to handle mass casualty events. MSF revealed that between May 10th and June 6th, the facility received over 1,300 wounded patients, with more than 200 tragically succumbing to their injuries. The ongoing conflict has already hampered access to healthcare for many, preventing them from reaching the hospital for treatment.
Michel Lacharite, Head of Emergencies for MSF, strongly condemned the attack. “It is outrageous that the RSF opened fire inside a hospital,” he stated. He further highlighted that this wasn’t an isolated incident, with both staff and patients enduring attacks for weeks from various parties to the conflict.
The attack on the hospital is a grim development in the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The RSF has seized control of the capital, Khartoum, and most of western Sudan. However, the United Nations has issued a stark warning of an imminent famine threat for the Sudanese people as the conflict disrupts food production and distribution.
The fighting in al-Fashir has displaced an estimated 130,000 people, forcing many to flee towards territories controlled by armed opposition groups. Moreover, leaving the city is fraught with danger, with reports of attacks and killings on the main RSF-controlled road.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens with Medical Care Cut-Off
The closure of the al-Fashir hospital leaves thousands of wounded and sick civilians without access to critical medical care. This adds another layer of suffering to the already dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur. The international community must take urgent action to de-escalate the conflict, ensure safe passage for aid workers, and deliver life-saving assistance to the people of Darfur.
The attack on the hospital is just one facet of the broader humanitarian crisis gripping Darfur. A report released last week by The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab documented arson attacks on 40 settlements outside al-Fashir since March. Local residents point the finger at the RSF for these attacks.
The fighting has also severely impacted another medical facility. A separate attack on Saturday targeted the Abu Shouk camp north of al-Fashir, injuring more than 30 people and killing at least two.
Healthcare workers on the ground are pleading for an end to the violence. “The situation here is catastrophic,” reported an aid worker. “People are running out of food, water, and medicine. We urgently need a ceasefire and a safe corridor to deliver humanitarian aid.”
The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the escalating crisis in Darfur. Immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Pressure must be exerted on all parties to the conflict to lay down arms and seek a peaceful resolution. Additionally, resources and support are urgently required to deliver life-saving aid and medical care to the people of Darfur.
Source: Reuters
