Travel & Experiences · 9 Proficient · October 23, 2026

Sudan's Healthcare System Under Deliberate Attack

Photo: Ally Eid via Pexels

Vocabulary

paramilitary group ˌpɛrəˈmɪlɪtɛri ɡrup noun phrase

an armed organization that is not part of the official military but operates like one

The paramilitary group RSF controlled large areas of the city during the conflict.

siege sidʒ noun

a military operation to capture a place by surrounding and attacking it

During the year-long siege of el-Fasher, hospitals were severely damaged.

humanitarian law hjuˌmænɪˈtɛriən lɔ noun phrase

international rules that protect people during armed conflicts and disasters

The attacks violated international humanitarian law by targeting civilian hospitals.

Article

A BBC investigation has documented systematic destruction of el-Fasher's hospitals during the paramilitary group RSF's year-long siege and takeover of the Darfur city. Researchers identified at least 43 separate attacks on health facilities between May 2024 and October 2025, with some sites struck repeatedly. UN human rights chief Volker Türk characterized these findings as deeply disturbing, stating that multiple attacks on civilian healthcare infrastructure constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. The RSF's health minister dismissed the allegations as propaganda designed to damage the group's reputation.

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