In a horrific attack on the maternity hospital in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, the United Nations has confirmed that at least 460 people — including patients and their companions — were killed after the facility was seized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep sorrow over what he called a “tragic and senseless massacre,” noting that it followed a pattern of assaults and kidnappings targeting health workers across Sudan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, strongly condemned the attack and called for an “immediate halt” to violence against medical facilities, patients, and healthcare personnel.
According to WHO data, 185 attacks have been recorded against Sudan’s health sector since April 2023, resulting in 1,204 deaths among medical staff and numerous injuries among patients.
The massacre occurred amid the RSF’s full takeover of El-Fasher, where the group has vowed to continue its battle for control of the country. The fighting has displaced more than 33,000 residents, while six aid workers remain kidnapped, with their captors reportedly demanding a $1 million ransom for their release.
