BBC investigation finds evidence of systematic targeting of hospitals in Sudan's Darfur region

The BBC's Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher spoke to two doctors who support claims that paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed healthcare facilities in el-Fasher, Darfur, during a prolonged siege that ended with the city's fall a year ago.

The doctors described the targeting of hospitals, which under international law is illegal, as health facilities and their staff are protected during conflict. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the findings "deeply disturbing."

However, Dr Alaa Eldin Nugud, the health minister of the group's civilian-affiliated government, dismissed the allegations as propaganda. The investigation highlights the devastating toll on civilians in a region already scarred by years of conflict.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The destruction of el-Fasher's healthcare system leaves a vulnerable civilian population without medical care in a conflict zone.
The BBC's findings add to growing evidence of war crimes in Sudan, potentially increasing international pressure for accountability.
The siege and takeover of el-Fasher a year ago marked a significant escalation in the Darfur conflict, with long-term humanitarian consequences.

Background

Sudan has been gripped by conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Darfur, a region that experienced genocide in the early 2000s, has become a key battleground. El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, was besieged for months before falling to paramilitary forces. International law prohibits attacks on medical facilities during war. This investigation is the latest to document potential violations in Sudan's ongoing civil war.

Key Perspectives

Doctors and medical staff on the ground: They report that paramilitary fighters deliberately targeted hospitals, leaving civilians without access to medical care in a besieged city. UN and international human rights bodies: The UN human rights chief called the findings deeply disturbing, indicating international concern over potential war crimes. The paramilitary group's civilian-affiliated government: Its health minister dismissed the allegations as propaganda, denying any systematic targeting of hospitals.

What to Watch

Whether the International Criminal Court opens a formal investigation into the destruction of healthcare facilities in Darfur.
How the international community responds to the BBC's evidence, including potential sanctions or resolutions at the UN Security Council.
Continued reporting from inside el-Fasher on the state of healthcare and civilian suffering as the conflict in Sudan continues.

Checked

9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.

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SupportedThe BBC found evidence of systematic targeting of hospitals in Sudan’s Darfur region.BBC News: “A BBC investigation has found evidence that Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed el-Fasher's healthcare system during their long siege and subsequent takeover of the city in Darfur a year ago.”
Partly supportedDoctors report that paramilitary fighters deliberately destroyed el-Fasher’s healthcare system during the siege and takeover.BBC News: “The BBC's Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher speaks to two doctors who support the claims of systemic targeting of hospitals.”
SupportedThe BBC investigation found evidence that paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed el-Fasher’s healthcare system during the siege and takeover a year ago.BBC News: “A BBC investigation has found evidence that Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed el-Fasher's healthcare system during their long siege and subsequent takeover of the city in Darfur a year ago.”
Partly supportedDoctors recounted deliberate targeting of hospitals and medical staff.BBC News: “However, in the course of our investigation we spoke to six doctors who described a pattern of systematic targeting.”
SupportedBarbara Plett Usher spoke to two doctors who supported claims of systemic hospital targeting.BBC News: “The BBC's Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher speaks to two doctors who support the claims of systemic targeting of hospitals.”
SupportedUnder international law, attacking health facilities or their staff during conflict is illegal.BBC News: “Under international law it is illegal to attack health facilities or their staff during conflict.”
SupportedVolker Türk called the findings “deeply disturbing.”BBC News: “UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the findings "deeply disturbing".”
SupportedDr Alaa Eldin Nugud, health minister of the group’s civilian-affiliated government, dismissed the allegations as propaganda.BBC News: “The health minister of the group's civilian-affiliated government, Dr Alaa Eldin Nugud, dismissed the allegations as propaganda.”
Partly supportedThe investigation highlights a devastating toll on civilians in a region already scarred by years of conflict.BBC News: “Our monitoring and documentation shows the RSF repeatedly struck el-Fasher's main hospitals and makeshift health facilities, destroying or seriously damaging them and severely impacting access to health services for thousands of civilians trapped in the city”