Massacre in Sudan: UN Condemns Attack on el-Fasher Hospital

Strategic Insights -

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia has been accused of killing hundreds of civilians, including patients and medical staff, at the main hospital in el-Fasher, Sudan. The United Nations (UN) and aid agencies have expressed outrage over the attack, which is the latest in a series of atrocities committed by the RSF during the 18-month siege of the city. The Sudan Doctors' Network and the el-Fasher Resistance Committee have also accused the RSF of kidnapping six medics and demanding ransoms for their release.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RSF militia has reportedly killed 460 people at the el-Fasher hospital, according to the head of the UN's health agency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
  • The attack on the hospital is one of over 185 verified attacks on health care facilities since the start of the war, resulting in 1,204 deaths.
  • The RSF has been accused of targeting people from non-Arab ethnic groups, allegations that it denies.
  • The UN has expressed concern over the fate of the estimated 250,000 people trapped in the city, many of whom are from non-Arab communities.
  • Former UN humanitarian official Jan Egeland has described the situation as "catastrophic," with reports of massacres, starvation, and lack of medical care.

Statistics:

  • 460 civilians killed at el-Fasher hospital (reported by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus)
  • 185 attacks on health care facilities verified by WHO since the start of the war
  • 1,204 deaths reported as a result of attacks on health care facilities
  • 250,000 people trapped in el-Fasher, many from non-Arab communities
  • USD 150,000 ransom demanded for the release of six medics kidnapped by the RSF

Sources:

  • BBC
  • Sudan Doctors' Network
  • el-Fasher Resistance Committee
  • United Nations (WHO)
  • United News of India
  • BBC Verify