RSF Attack on Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher Sparks International Outrage

On October 28, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, attacked the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of over 460 individuals, including patients and their companions. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the attack, emphasizing the sanctity of healthcare facilities and the need for their protection under international law. The United Nations also expressed deep concern over the increased likelihood of large-scale atrocities in the region. This incident underscores the escalating violence in Sudan and the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians.

The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias notorious for their role in the early 2000s Darfur conflict, was formed in 2013 and integrated into Sudan's official security apparatus. Led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, the RSF has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions.

On October 28, 2025, the RSF seized control of El Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese military in the Darfur region. During this offensive, the Saudi Maternity Hospital, the only partially functioning hospital in the city, was attacked. Reports indicate that more than 460 patients and their companions were killed, and six health workers, including four doctors, a nurse, and a pharmacist, were abducted. This assault was part of a broader pattern of violence by the RSF, which has included mass killings, detentions, and widespread atrocities such as summary executions and sexual violence.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed deep shock over the attack, stating, "WHO condemns these horrific attacks on health care in the strongest terms and calls for the respect of the sanctity of health care as mandated under International Humanitarian Law." The United Nations Security Council also condemned the RSF's assault on El Fasher, highlighting concerns over potential large-scale atrocities, including those that may be ethnically motivated.

The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 260,000 people remain trapped in El Fasher with limited access to food, clean water, or medical care. The city has been under siege for over 500 days, leading to escalating violence, rising hunger, and the spread of diseases such as cholera. The WHO reported 272 suspected cases of cholera and 32 deaths in El Fasher alone, with an alarming case fatality rate of nearly 12%. Additionally, more than 26,000 people have fled the assault, with thousands seeking refuge in Tawila.

This is not the first time the Saudi Maternity Hospital has been targeted. In January 2025, a drone attack attributed to the RSF killed over 70 people, including patients, women, and children, and injured dozens. The hospital was the only functional one in the area, offering essential services like gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and nutrition. The RSF's actions in El Fasher are reminiscent of their previous campaigns in Darfur, which have been characterized by ethnic violence and mass atrocities.

The attack on the Saudi Maternity Hospital has profound social and societal implications. The deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities not only violates international humanitarian law but also exacerbates the suffering of civilians by depriving them of essential medical services. The abduction of health workers further cripples the already fragile healthcare system. The RSF's actions have instilled fear among the population, leading to mass displacement and a breakdown of social structures. The international community's condemnation underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention to prevent further atrocities.

The RSF's attack on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher is a stark reminder of the escalating violence in Sudan and the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians. The international community must take decisive action to protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian law, and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.