El Fasher, North Darfur – The El Fasher South Hospital, the sole functioning medical facility in the city, has been forced to halt its operations following a violent attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Saturday evening.
The RSF forces stormed the hospital, causing chaos by assaulting patients, staff, and visitors. Not only did they loot money, mobile phones, and an ambulance but they also executed patients, kidnapped visitors, and destroyed vital medical supplies. The attack was eventually stopped after a fierce struggle involving the army and allied armed movements.
Director General of the Ministry of Health in North Darfur State, Ibrahim Abdallah, confirmed the hospital’s closure and the evacuation of patients and staff to safety. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, made the difficult decision to suspend operations at the hospital and denounced the heinous attack by the RSF.
Michel Lacharite, MSF Head of Emergencies, condemned the RSF’s violent actions, particularly the act of opening fire inside the hospital. The hospital had been a target for weeks, enduring attacks from all sides, but the violence escalated to a point where operations could no longer continue safely.
El Fasher’s South Hospital, known for its surgical capabilities and as a key referral center for treating war-wounded, had been crucial in providing medical assistance during the ongoing conflict in the region. The escalating violence in El Fasher since May 10th has led to a sharp increase in civilian casualties, displacements, and destruction of infrastructure.
The RSF’s assault on El Fasher is seen as a strategic move to expand their control over the Darfur region, with El Fasher being the only city left not under their influence. The group has already gained control over other regions in Darfur, displacing the army and creating further instability in the area.