RSF systematically attacked hospitals during el-Fasher siege, investigation finds
A BBC investigation found evidence that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) systematically attacked hospitals and healthcare sites during the siege and takeover of el-Fasher in Darfur. The UN human rights chief called the findings deeply disturbing and said attacks on civilian health facilities may amount to war crimes; the RSF rejected the allegations as propaganda.
The investigation documented at least 43 attacks on healthcare sites between May 2024 and October 2025, with some facilities hit repeatedly. From April 2023 to October 2025, it recorded 55 medical workers killed, 120 injured and 10 abducted or forcibly disappeared. A surgeon who worked in the city said attacks aimed to put hospitals out of service, while the WHO described el-Fasher as one of the clearest examples of the war’s impact on Sudan’s healthcare.
In short
- BBC found evidence of at least 43 attacks on el-Fasher healthcare sites.
- 55 medical workers were killed and 120 injured, according to the investigation.
- The RSF rejected the findings; UN officials said attacks may amount to war crimes.
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The case for
The investigation’s documented attacks, repeated strikes on some facilities and toll on medical workers support the case that RSF forces deliberately sought to disable healthcare in el-Fasher. If substantiated, such attacks would endanger civilians who depend on medical care and may constitute war crimes; the UN human rights chief has called for the findings to be taken seriously.
The case against
The RSF rejects the allegations as propaganda, and a fair assessment should distinguish documented damage and casualties from proof of who was responsible or whether attacks were deliberate and systematic. In a siege, facilities may be damaged amid fighting, so claims about intent and responsibility require scrutiny of the underlying evidence and a response from the forces accused.
Explained simply
Sudan’s war began in April 2023 between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces, a powerful paramilitary group. El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, became a focus of fighting as the RSF besieged the city, where many civilians had sought refuge.
Hospitals and clinics treat the wounded and provide essential care during conflict, while medical workers are protected under international humanitarian law. Damage to health facilities can leave people without treatment and make it harder to respond to disease and injury.
The conflict has also disrupted Sudan’s wider health system, with shortages of staff, supplies and safe access to care. The conduct of the fighting in Darfur matters to international efforts to protect civilians and assess possible violations of the laws of war.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Hospitals deliberately targeted by Sudan’s RSF fighters, BBC investigation finds”.