El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, found its hospital in turmoil after a violent attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led to a suspension of its operations. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that the RSF stormed the hospital, assaulting patients, staff, and visitors while looting valuables such as money, mobile phones, and an ambulance. The attack was eventually repelled by the army and allied armed movements after a fierce confrontation. Ibrahim Abdallah, director general of the Ministry of Health in North Darfur, confirmed that the hospital is now non-operational, with patients and staff relocated to safety. He also mentioned the RSF’s ruthless actions, including executing patients, kidnapping visitors, looting resources, and causing destruction. MSF emergency manager, Michel Lacharite, expressed shock at the RSF’s act of opening fire inside the hospital, emphasizing the ongoing threats faced by staff and patients in recent weeks.
At the time of the attack, only ten patients and a small medical team were present as MSF and the Ministry of Health had already started transferring patients to other facilities due to escalating violence. The South Hospital in El Fasher was a critical facility with surgical capabilities and served as a primary referral center for treating war injuries. With over 1,300 victims treated between May 10 and June 6, the hospital played a significant role in providing care amidst the conflict between the army, allied armed movements, and the RSF. El Fasher has been at the center of intense fighting, leading to civilian casualties, mass displacements, and infrastructure damage. Notably, the RSF had gained control over other regions in Darfur prior to the attack on El Fasher, making it the last town resisting their authority in the region.
Amidst the chaos, MSF and the Ministry of Health continued efforts to ensure the safety and care of patients, highlighting the challenges faced by medical personnel in conflict zones. The attack on the hospital underscores the ongoing threats to humanitarian operations and the urgent need for protection of healthcare facilities. As El Fasher grapples with the aftermath of the assault, concerns persist about the safety of civilians and the provision of essential medical services in the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare workers and patients in conflict-affected areas, shedding light on the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur.