Cairo: The recent massacre at a hospital in the Sudanese city of El Fasher has become a shocking symbol of the widening violence and collapse of safety for civilians in Sudan. Witnesses humanitarian workers and global rights groups say the attack is the latest and most devastating example of a deliberate pattern of targeting medical facilities during the conflict.
Nearly five hundred people were reportedly killed when fighters from the Rapid Support Forces entered the last functioning hospital in the city earlier this month. Those killed included patients doctors family members and people seeking refuge who believed a medical facility would be protected. Satellite images and reports from humanitarian organisations suggest that many bodies were later burned or placed in mass graves as the violence continued.
For months hospitals and clinics in North Darfur have been repeatedly bombed looted or shut down due to the fighting. Ambulances have been destroyed and medical teams have been forced to flee. With health facilities collapsing thousands of civilians are now without treatment for injuries or common illnesses. Aid groups warn that disease malnutrition and untreated wounds are spreading quickly among displaced people.
The World Health Organization and several human rights bodies say the hospital attack fits a growing pattern seen across Sudan where civilian infrastructure including hospitals schools and water facilities are deliberately destroyed. Amnesty International has accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing war crimes including the killing of unarmed people sexual violence and torture during and after the capture of El Fasher.
The fall of the city has forced thousands to flee while others remain trapped inside with no access to food water or medical care. Survivors report killings at checkpoints and attacks on families trying to escape. International groups are now calling for an urgent independent investigation and immediate action to protect civilians.
Earlier this week the Rapid Support Forces announced a three month unilateral ceasefire in response to global pressure. However the Sudanese army rejected the announcement and accused the group of trying to use the pause to regroup and strengthen its position. Analysts say previous ceasefires failed because fighting continued despite public declarations.
Humanitarian convoys remain unable to reach many affected communities because of the continuing violence. Aid officials warn that if access does not improve soon the region could face famine and a large scale public health emergency.
Governments United Nations agencies and human rights organisations are urging accountability and greater international involvement. But for families grieving those killed in the El Fasher hospital the promises feel distant and uncertain.
The attack has now become one of the deadliest assaults on a medical facility in recent years and stands as a stark reminder that Sudan’s war continues to grow more violent with civilians paying the highest price.