IMG 20240513 WA0003
Picture courtesy: (UNICEF) Civilians in danger after bomb exploded 50 meters away from the hospital in El Fasher city, Sudan.
According to MSF, the airstrike was carried out in the evening, landing 50 meters from the hospital. The airstrike was close enough to send tremors through the medical facility, where patients and staff were struck with a feeling of terror and concern for the safety of those who were inside and outside of the facility.
The impact led to the collapse of the roof above the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), killing two children who received treatment and at least one caregiver. At least 160 patients were wounded. The Baniker Nahar Paediatric Hospital specializes in treating sick children and has been operational since the beginning of the war. The medical facility has been referred across the Dafur region because other facilities have been forced to shut down.
The latest airstrike was carried out, and the fighting caused patients to flee, which is close to placing the additional health facility out of action. Out of 115 children receiving treatment at the facility, 10 remained, including the two children that succumbed to the airstrike. Clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have escalated regarding the battle to control El Fashar city.
The siege of the city began in mid-April and has been threatening major attacks. El Fasher City is the capital of North Darfur State, which makes it the one and only city not to have fallen into the hands of the RFS. It is still unclear who is specifically responsible for the deadly attack. Displaced families that were once encouraged to seek refuge are now under fire. Fear and worry intensify for the displaced residents, who are now stranded and unsure of where to seek refuge for safety during these clashes.
Humanitarian groups broke their silence a long time ago over the tense security in the region that has been worsened by political instability and conflicts that take place, often claiming the lives of civilians. “The violence threatens the lives of over 800,000 civilians,” stated the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Sudan. Representatives are advocating for immediate peace talks between the opposing parties within the region.
Emphasis is placed on the importance of global powers uniting their efforts to end senseless violence that impacts non-combatants. As investigations continue regarding the tragic event, civilians are grieving with community members, remembering the innocent lives lost, and humanitarian advocates continue to plead for protection and peace for all citizens.
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