Devastating Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Sudan Amid RSF Militia's Rampage

Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the North Darfur city of El Fasher in Sudan after horrific stories of mass-atrocities committed by the RSF militia continue to emerge. Reports indicate that 460 patients and their companions have been killed at Saudi Maternity Hospital in the city, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to express its deep shock and demand an immediate halt to attacks on healthcare. The conflict between the RSF and the military government, which began in April 2023, has engulfed the entire country, leaving widespread destruction and humanitarian crises in its wake.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 285 attacks on healthcare have been verified in Sudan, resulting in over 1,204 deaths and over 400 injuries of health workers and patients since the start of the conflict, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• The RSF militia's attacks on healthcare facilities have led to the killing of 460 patients and their companions at Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, a report by the WHO reveals.
• Tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, have fled El Fasher and sought safety in Tawila, a smaller city approximately 60 kilometers away, many arriving "dehydrated, injured and traumatized."
• The UNICEF chief, Catherine Russell, has stated that "no child is safe" due to reports of abduction, killing, and maiming, and sexual violence, affecting an estimated 130,000 children in El Fasher.
• There are reports of humanitarian workers being detained or killed, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has condemned the killing of five local staff working as volunteers in Bara, North Kordofan state.
• The UN's head of humanitarian operations in Sudan, Denise Brown, has expressed concern regarding the verification of information from the stricken city of El Fasher due to the ongoing conflict.

Statistics:

• 285 verified attacks on healthcare in Sudan resulting in 1,204 deaths and over 400 injuries of health workers and patients (WHO).
• 460 patients and their companions killed at Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher (WHO).
• Tens of thousands of civilians fled El Fasher, seeking safety in Tawila (OCHA).
• Estimated 130,000 children in El Fasher at high risk of grave rights violations (UNICEF).
• Five Red Cross workers killed in Bara, North Kordofan state (ICRC).

Sources:

• World Health Organization (WHO): World Health Organization
• United Nations (UN): The UN News
• Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): OCHA
• UNICEF: UNICEF
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): ICRC