Sudan Army Denies Deadly Hospital Strike in Darfur Amid Escalating Conflict

The Sudanese army has vehemently denied responsibility for a fatal attack on el-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur on Friday night, an incident that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports left 64 people dead and 89 wounded. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who control the city, attribute the strike to an army drone.

Devastating Toll and International Condemnation

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the tragic toll, which includes 13 children, two nurses, and a doctor, declaring that "Enough blood has been spilled." He urged an immediate end to the conflict, condemning the frequent targeting of medical facilities. The attack occurred as Muslims marked the festival of Eid.

Following the strike, el-Daein Teaching Hospital is no longer able to function, depriving thousands of people in the region of vital medical care. Dr. Tedros noted that the WHO has verified 2,036 deaths across 213 attacks on healthcare facilities throughout the conflict, which began in April 2023.

Accusations and Denials

The RSF issued a statement asserting that an army drone completely destroyed the hospital's top floor, severely damaged the accident and emergency department, and obliterated critical medical equipment. In response, the Sudanese military expressed surprise at the accusation, affirming its adherence to "international norms and laws."

The Emergency Lawyers group, a local rights organisation documenting atrocities by both factions, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the attack, demanding that those responsible be brought to justice. They underscored the hospital's crucial role for thousands of civilians in el-Daein and surrounding areas.

The persistent targeting of healthcare infrastructure in Sudan exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation, leaving vulnerable populations without essential medical support and highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian life.

Sudan's Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Sudan was plunged into civil war in April 2023 following a power struggle between the military and the RSF. The United Nations has branded the ensuing crisis as the world's largest humanitarian catastrophe, with over 150,000 people dead and approximately 12 million displaced—nearly a third of the country's population.

Strategic Importance and Stalemate

East Darfur, bordering the Kordofan region, has emerged as a new frontline characterized by near-daily drone strikes. The area is strategically significant, serving as a critical corridor linking the RSF-controlled western Darfur region to the capital, Khartoum, which was recaptured by the army last year.

Despite US-led peace efforts, no end to the fighting is in sight, making it one of Africa's deadliest conflicts for civilians. Celebrations for Eid al-Fitr across the country were notably muted this year, reflecting the widespread devastation and sorrow.

Key Takeaways

  • 64 people were killed, and 89 wounded, in an attack on el-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur.
  • The deceased include 13 children, two nurses, and a doctor, according to the WHO.
  • The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accuse the Sudanese army of the drone strike; the army denies responsibility.
  • The hospital is now non-functional, cutting off vital medical care for thousands.
  • The civil war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced approximately 12 million people.
  • The WHO has recorded 213 attacks on healthcare facilities during the conflict, leading to 2,036 fatalities.