Paramilitary Forces Accused of Wiping Out El-Fasher Hospitals

A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting Sudanese paramilitary forces systematically dismantled El-Fasher's healthcare system during their siege and takeover of the Darfur city. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are accused of launching at least 43 separate attacks on hospitals and healthcare sites between May 2024 and October 2025, with some locations hit multiple times. This systematic targeting has had a devastating impact on medical personnel, with 120 injured, 55 killed, and 10 forcibly disappeared or abducted between April 2023 and October 2025.

The RSF has vehemently denied these accusations, with their health minister describing them as propaganda. However, UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the findings "deeply disturbing," stating that such attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. The investigation details attacks on facilities like South Hospital and Saudi Maternity Hospital, which were repeatedly shelled and raided, forcing closures and immense hardship on staff and patients.

Medical staff reported deliberate targeting, with makeshift surgeries and patient transport also coming under fire. Despite the RSF's claims that facilities were used as military bases, the BBC found no independent evidence to support these allegations. The conflict has severely impacted access to healthcare for thousands of civilians trapped in El-Fasher. The RSF-backed government claims some hospitals have since reopened, but testimonies from medical workers suggest coercion and a lack of choice in continuing work.