Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, reported on Sunday that the death toll in El Fasher, North Darfur, has exceeded 260 since fighting began six weeks ago, with over 1,630 injured, including women and children.
The international aid organization warned that hospitals continue to be attacked and external aid is unable to reach the city due to the ongoing violence, despite a June 13th UN Security Council resolution demanding an end to the fighting and the siege of El Fasher.
“In El Fasher, we are witnessing a series of attacks and counterattacks that do not exclude hospitals, without the warring parties assuming their responsibilities in protecting civilians,” said Michel Lacharite, head of emergency operations at MSF. “We do not know if hospitals are being deliberately targeted, but their protection remains an imperative necessity and must be respected. Civilians are trapped and cannot leave, and they must be protected and ensured their ability to receive treatment.”
On Friday, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) bombed a pharmacy at the MSF-supported Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, killing a pharmacist and damaging the building. The RSF has not yet commented on the incident.
El Fasher, the largest city in the Darfur region and a centre for humanitarian operations, has seen clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF since May 10th. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in mid-April, has resulted in an estimated 15,000 deaths and displaced millions, according to the United Nations.
The World Food Programme has warned of the increasing impact of the Sudan crisis on neighbouring countries, with over two million people having fled the country. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has also warned of further displacement and the looming threat of famine if peace efforts are not successful.
