Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the SAF and RSF has led to mass casualties, with MSF treating war-wounded patients. Airstrikes in populated areas, notably in Nyala and Khartoum, have compounded the humanitarian crisis, overwhelming hospitals. Reports detail severe violence and the plight of civilians fleeing affected areas, with urgent calls for protection of non-combatants and healthcare access.
In recent weeks, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has treated numerous war-wounded patients in Sudan’s Khartoum, North Darfur, and South Darfur amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attacks have shown blatant disregard for civilian safety, with multiple airstrikes targeting populated areas. On February 4, airstrikes in Nyala, South Darfur, resulted in 21 injuries at Nyala Teaching Hospital, with previous strikes reportedly killing at least 57 individuals.
The chaos in Nyala was vividly described by an MSF doctor present during the airstrikes. The staff at the hospital faced overwhelming scenes of trauma, with serious injuries and fatalities, especially among children. One traumatic account detailed the loss of three siblings and their mother, leaving a child’s family gravely affected. The doctor highlighted the fear and dangers faced by medical staff during the bombings, as they risked their safety to assist patients amidst ongoing bombardment.
In North Darfur, MSF witnessed severe violence recently, treating casualties from clashes between RSF and SAF in Zamzam camp. The field hospital struggled with a surge of patients fleeing Shagra, including numerous children, amidst reports of horrific violence. Many patients requiring surgical treatment faced delays due to the ongoing fighting and blocked access to proper medical facilities, leaving critically injured individuals trapped without care.
Khartoum state also experienced escalated violence, particularly noted during RSF shelling that impacted Al Nao Hospital. Reports indicated multiple casualties and earlier attacks had already resulted in significant injuries, affecting the hospital staff’s ability to cope with incoming patients. The continuing violence in Sudan raises urgent calls for protection and humanitarian assistance, impacting both the civilian population and healthcare providers.
Ozan Agbas of MSF condemned the assaults on civilians, pointing out the increased difficulty in accessing healthcare and the heightened risk to medical personnel. He urged the warring factions to prioritize civilian protection and cease hostilities against the population, emphasizing the tragic consequences these conflicts have on countless lives.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated significantly, especially since early 2023, leading to widespread civilian casualties and injuries. The fighting primarily involves the SAF and RSF, both of which have shown disregard for civilian safety during their military operations. Areas like Nyala and Khartoum have been severely afflicted, with airstrikes and artillery shelling resulting in mass casualties and overwhelmed healthcare facilities. Organizations like MSF are responding to the humanitarian crisis by providing emergency medical care, but they face immense challenges due to the ongoing violence and limited resources.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in mass casualties, with both SAF and RSF conducting operations that disregard civilian lives. MSF is treating many war-wounded individuals, but hospitals are overwhelmed and resources are limited. The urgent need for protection of civilians and healthcare facilities is critical, as the violence continues to escalate across the country and jeopardize the lives of both patients and healthcare workers.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
