The ongoing conflict in Darfur, Sudan, has once again escalated, resulting in a devastating toll on the civilian population. According to medical charity Doctors Without Borders, at least 85 people have died in a single hospital in the city of El-Fasher since fighting reignited on May 10. The situation is dire, with the hospital receiving a total of 707 casualties and 85 fatalities in the period since the conflict resumed.
Background of the Conflict:
For over a year, clashes have persisted between the regular military forces, led by army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, is the only city in the region not under RSF control and serves as a critical humanitarian hub for a population on the brink of famine.
Current Situation in El-Fasher:
Despite repeated calls from international organizations, including the United Nations, for fighters to spare the city, El-Fasher has become a battleground in recent weeks. Eyewitnesses have reported intense artillery shelling, gunfire, and air strikes from both sides, making it dangerous for residents to seek medical help for their injured loved ones.
Challenges Faced by Southern Hospital:
Southern Hospital, the only remaining medical facility in El-Fasher, is struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. With only one surgeon available to treat patients, the hospital is under immense pressure. The ongoing conflict has already forced the closure of over 70% of medical facilities across the country, leaving the remaining ones severely strained.
Urgent Plea for Assistance:
Claire Nicolet, head of Doctors Without Borders’ Sudan emergency program, has issued a plea to the warring parties to provide safe access for humanitarian aid to replenish medical supplies at Southern Hospital. As supplies dwindle, there is an urgent need for essential resources to continue treating the wounded and saving lives.
Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur:
The conflict in Darfur has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced nearly nine million people from their homes. In North Darfur alone, over half a million individuals have been newly displaced in the past year, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
In conclusion, the escalating violence in Darfur is taking a heavy toll on civilians, with casualties mounting and medical facilities stretched to their limits. Urgent action is needed to ensure safe access for humanitarian aid and to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire. The international community must step up efforts to bring an end to the conflict and provide much-needed assistance to the people of Darfur.