The conflict between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023, continues to take a devastating toll on the country. According to UN estimates, over 20,000 people have lost their lives, while more than 14 million have been displaced. The crisis has reached alarming levels, with millions of Sudanese facing famine and widespread food shortages that threaten to spiral into a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe.
One of the most recent tragedies in this ongoing war occurred in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, where a Saudi-operated hospital became the target of a deadly drone attack attributed to the RSF. The assault, which left more than 70 people dead, not only claimed innocent lives but also destroyed the region’s only operational hospital, a vital lifeline for the local population. North Darfur’s Governor Mini Arko Minawi described the incident as a severe blow to the state’s fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s Strong Condemnation
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the attack with a strongly worded condemnation, describing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. The Ministry reiterated its firm stance against such acts of violence, which threaten civilian lives and essential infrastructure.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting healthcare workers and facilities, the Ministry urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect their obligations under international law. Additionally, it pointed to the Jeddah Declaration—an agreement signed by the Sudanese army and RSF in April 2023—as a framework for ensuring the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure during the conflict.
GCC Joins in Condemnation
Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), echoed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation. Albudaiwi labeled the attack a grave breach of international treaties, laws, and UN resolutions that mandate the protection of civilians, particularly healthcare facilities and personnel.
In his statement, Albudaiwi underscored the urgency of ensuring full protection for medical workers and enabling healthcare services to continue amid the harsh circumstances in Sudan. He stressed that such measures are crucial in addressing the humanitarian challenges faced by millions of Sudanese affected by the ongoing war.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Darfur
El-Fasher, a critical hub for humanitarian operations covering Darfur’s five states, has been a repeated target of RSF aggression since May 2024. Despite warnings from international organizations, the RSF has continued its attacks, undermining humanitarian efforts and worsening conditions for the region’s vulnerable populations.
The strategic importance of North Darfur, particularly El-Fasher, has made it a contested area. Observers fear that RSF control over the region could lead to an escalation of ethnic violence. These fears are not unfounded, as the RSF has already been accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing in West Darfur last year. The destruction of El-Fasher’s only functional hospital is seen as part of a broader pattern of targeting civilian infrastructure, exacerbating the suffering of millions.
Calls for Accountability & Action
The attack on the Saudi-run hospital has drawn widespread international criticism, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and stronger measures to protect civilians. Both Saudi Arabia and the GCC have called on the international community to take immediate steps to safeguard healthcare facilities and workers in Sudan.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict becomes ever more pressing. The international community faces mounting pressure to act decisively, not only to protect Sudanese civilians but also to prevent the conflict from destabilizing the region further.
