A drone strike on a Sudan hospital killed 70, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The international community must act urgently to protect civilians. (Image generated by DALL-E).
A drone strike on a Sudan hospital killed 70 worsening the humanitarian crisis The international community must act urgently to protect civilians Image generated by DALL E

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Sudan Hospital Attack Highlights Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
A drone attack on Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher killed at least 70 people.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are blamed for the attack amidst ongoing conflict.
The WHO and UN condemned the attack and called for international accountability.
Over 12 million people are displaced in Sudan, facing a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The attack worsens an already fragile healthcare system in the region.
The ongoing conflict highlights systemic racism in global responses to African crises.

Drone Strike on El Fasher Hospital: A Stark Reminder of Ongoing Atrocities

A violent drone attack hit the Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, on January 24, 2025. The attack killed at least 70 people and injured 19 others. This assault targeted the only working medical facility in El Fasher during an already severe humanitarian crisis. As a result, many civilians now struggle without crucial healthcare, showing the human cost of ongoing conflict and the pressing need for action (Al Jazeera).

Civilian Casualties in Sudan Conflict (April 2023 – January 2024)
1,638
Deaths
3,458
Injuries
5,096
Total Casualties
Data shows the devastating human impact of the Sudan conflict. Source: UN OCHA Sudan Situation Report

Perpetrators and the Cycle of Violence

Local authorities accuse the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of this violence. This paramilitary group has been fighting the Sudanese military since April 2023. The RSF controls much of Darfur and recently demanded the Sudanese Armed Forces leave El Fasher within 48 hours. This demand adds to rising tensions and shows a disregard for civilian life. Attacking a medical facility breaks international law, showing the RSF’s readiness to use healthcare for power (Deutsche Welle).

Displaced People in Sudan
3.4 Million
Visual representation of the scale of displacement in Sudan. Source: IOM Sudan DTM Report

International Condemnation and Calls for Action

The global response to this tragedy has been quick and firm. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus denounced the attack. He stressed the need for peace to ease the growing humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Secretary-General also urged an immediate stop to the fighting, reminding all parties that attacking hospitals could be a war crime. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, calling it a clear breach of international law (United Nations).

Food Insecurity in Sudan (December 2023)

Acute Food Insecurity

10.9M

Emergency Levels

2.5M

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, as of December 2023, an estimated 10.9 million people in Sudan were facing acute food insecurity, with 2.5 million people facing emergency levels of food insecurity.

Words alone won’t fix this crisis. The international community must take tangible steps to hold the attackers responsible and protect those caught in this protracted conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The attack on the hospital is part of widespread violence in Sudan. This conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million people. More than half of Sudan’s population now faces severe food shortages due to this harsh war (Africanews).

Attacks on Healthcare Facilities in Sudan
34
Facilities Attacked
56
Deaths
132
Injuries
Data shows the impact on healthcare infrastructure. Source: WHO Sudan Situation Report

The destruction of El Fasher’s hospital severely impacts an already struggling healthcare system. In a place with few medical resources, losing this hospital may increase death rates from treatable diseases and worsen the spread of infectious illnesses.

The weak global reaction to Sudan’s ongoing struggle raises concerns about how deeply African lives are valued worldwide. There’s a stark difference between immediate actions taken in other global conflicts and the lack of response in Sudan. This pattern highlights systemic racism in international relations and aid efforts.

Ongoing Conflict and Power Struggles

The violence at the hospital reflects the larger conflict gripping Sudan since April 2023. The power battle between the Sudanese military and the RSF has led the country into chaos. Recent military victories against the RSF have done little to stabilize the situation. Meanwhile, the United States has placed sanctions on leaders from both sides, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. These actions show the complexity of the conflict and the international community’s limited options (Deutsche Welle).

Humanitarian Funding for Sudan
22%
Received
Required
Only 22% of required $1.7B humanitarian funding received. Source: UN OCHA Humanitarian Response Plan

The ongoing conflict in Sudan raises questions about external powers’ roles in either fueling or resolving African conflicts. The history of colonialism and modern neocolonial influences continues to affect the region, with foreign actors often caring more about their own interests than Sudanese civilians’ welfare.

Legal Consequences of Attacking Hospitals

Attacking a hospital is a severe violation of international law. Under the Geneva Conventions, medical facilities are protected during conflicts. Violating these laws can lead to charges of war crimes against those responsible (International Committee of the Red Cross). Therefore, the assault on the Saudi Teaching Hospital not only harms civilians but also has legal consequences for the perpetrators.

Understanding the Rapid Support Forces

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan. They evolved from militias involved in earlier conflicts in Darfur. Today, they are in open conflict with the Sudanese military, aiming to gain control over parts of the country (BBC News). Knowing the RSF’s background helps explain Sudan’s current violence and instability.

Who Are the Rapid Support Forces?

Rapid Support Forces Icon

Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group in Sudan formed from militias active in Darfur. They have significant influence and are often linked to human rights violations. Understanding their role is key to grasping the current crisis in Sudan.

Impact of International Sanctions

International sanctions aim to pressure warring parties to seek peace. The United States imposed sanctions on key figures in Sudan, hoping to reduce the violence (U.S. Department of State). However, sanctions can sometimes have unintended effects on civilians, worsening economic conditions without stopping the conflict. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor how these measures impact people on the ground.

The Need to Protect Healthcare in War Zones

Healthcare facilities are vital, especially during conflicts. Attacking hospitals harms patients and staff and deprives communities of essential services. This can lead to disease outbreaks and increased deaths from treatable conditions (World Health Organization). Thus, safeguarding medical centers is crucial for civilian survival during wars.

FAQ

Q: What was the recent attack in El Fasher, Sudan?
A: A drone strike on the Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher on January 24, 2025, resulted in at least 70 fatalities and 19 injuries, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Q: Who is believed to be responsible for the hospital attack?
A: Local authorities have attributed the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in a violent conflict with the Sudanese military.

Q: What has been the international response to the attack?
A: The international community, including the WHO and UN Secretary-General, has condemned the attack and emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and accountability for those responsible.

Q: How has the attack impacted healthcare in Sudan?
A: The destruction of the only functioning hospital in El Fasher has significantly undermined healthcare access, potentially leading to higher mortality rates and increased spread of infectious diseases in the community.

Q: What are the broader implications of this attack?
A: This incident underscores the systemic racism in international responses to conflicts and highlights the urgent need for effective intervention to protect civilians and address the ongoing violence in Sudan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.