BBC finds Sudanese RSF fighters targeted hospitals in el-Fasher

Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed the healthcare system in el-Fasher during their long siege and takeover of the city a year ago, according to a BBC investigation. BBC News reported that the Rapid Support Forces repeatedly targeted health facilities in the Darfur city. The Times of India added that at least 43 hospitals were deliberately targeted during the siege. [1][2][5][6]

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk stated that the findings were deeply disturbing. Türk said that multiple attacks on civilian infrastructure by the Rapid Support Forces violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes, BBC News reported. Arab News, The Star, and Operativ Məlumat Mərkəzi also carried reports on the findings of the BBC investigation. [1][3][4][6]

The civilian government affiliated with the paramilitary group denied the claims. According to BBC News, health minister Dr Alaa Eldin Nugud dismissed the allegations as propaganda. Nugud claimed the reports were a deliberate attempt by the national army and its allies to smear the Rapid Support Forces. [1]

The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023 between two main military factions. The conflict pits the internationally recognized government led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces against the rival Government of Peace and Unity led by General Hemedti of the Rapid Support Forces. [7]