Collapse of Protection for Civilians in Sudan: "A War on People"

Strategic Insights -

A report by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reveals the catastrophic toll of the conflict in Sudan, where communities face indiscriminate violence, killings, torture, and sexual violence. Despite the collapse of the health system and the international humanitarian response, the war continues to wreak havoc on civilians, with hospitals attacked, markets bombed, and houses razed to the ground.

Key Takeaways:

  • The war in Sudan has had a disastrous impact on the health and wellbeing of people, with over a year of full-blown conflict exacerbating physical and mental wounds.
  • MSF's report documents shocking accounts of sexual violence, with 90% of 135 survivors treated by MSF teams reporting abuse by an armed perpetrator, and 40% being raped by multiple attackers.
  • Targeted ethnic violence has been reported in Darfur, with testimonies detailing attacks on non-Arab ethnicities, including the Masalit ethnic group.
  • Attacks on health care facilities have been routine, with at least 60 incidents of violence and attacks on MSF staff, assets, and infrastructure reported.
  • The collapse of the health system has led to a significant reduction in the availability of lifesaving services, with only 20-30% of health facilities remaining functional in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Humanitarian and medical organizations have faced bureaucratic obstructions, including refusals to issue travel permits for essential medical care and personnel.
  • MSF is calling for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and residential areas, and for the scale-up of humanitarian aid.

Statistics:

  • Estimated number of people injured or killed in the war: varies (no specific figure provided)
  • Number of patients treated for conflict-related injuries at Al Nao Hospital in Omdurman, Khartoum state: 6,776 since August 15, 2023, and April 30, 2024 (average of 26 people per day)
  • Number of health facilities remaining functional in hard-to-reach areas: 20-30%
  • Number of MSF staff affected by violence and attacks: at least 60 incidents

Sources:

  • Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) - A War on People: The Human Cost of Conflict and Violence in Sudan
  • World Health Organization - (specific report not mentioned)
  • Médecins sans frontières (MSF)