Deadly Drone Strike on Hospital in Sudan's Darfur

Why in the NEWS?

• At least 67 people were killed and dozens injured in a drone attack on a hospital in El-Fasher in Sudan's Darfur region on Friday evening.

Key Points:

• The hospital was one of the last functioning hospitals to remain in operation in Darfur.
• The hospital building was completely destroyed after the attack, especially the part where emergency cases were treated.
• It is not yet known which party carried out the attack, but it may be part of Sudan's ongoing war.
• The war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been going on since April 2023.
• The RSF has captured almost the entire western region of Darfur and has been besieging El-Fasher since May.

About Darfur in Sudan

Geographical Location:

• Darfur is located in the western part of Sudan.
• It is divided into three major states of Sudan: North Darfur, South Darfur, and Western Darfur.
• Darfur borders Chad, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

Historical Context of Darfur:

• The history of Darfur has been quite different and complex from other regions of Sudan.
• The region has been home to many ethnic and religious communities, including Arabic, African, and other communities.
• The war in Darfur began in 2003, when a conflict broke out between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebels. This conflict is known as the "Darfur Conflict".

Darfur Conflict (2003-2005):

• The Darfur Conflict began when the rebel groups "Darfur Liberation Army" and "Jenawa Movement" began a conflict against the Sudanese government.
• The government supported paramilitary groups called Janjiweed to combat the rebels, whose actions included atrocities and war crimes.
• The conflict affected millions of people, displaced millions, and killed thousands.

Humanitarian impact of the conflict:

• The Darfur conflict killed millions of people and displaced more than 3 million from their homes.
• Various international organizations viewed it as a severe humanitarian crisis, and the United Nations considered it a case of "genocide".
• Health services, education, and other basic amenities were affected due to the war, making the situation even worse.

2023 conflict:

• The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reached a peak again in 2023.
• The RSF has occupied almost the entire western region of Darfur and laid siege to El-Fasher, the capital of Darfur.
• This conflict has further complicated the situation of the civilians of Darfur, as violence and military clashes continue between the two sides.

Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur:

• The war has worsened the humanitarian crisis for civilians in Darfur.
• Issues such as the destruction of homes, lack of food and water, and lack of medical facilities have become major problems.
• Many areas have been completely affected by internal displacement and atrocities.
• Children and women have been particularly affected by the Darfur conflict, putting their lives and future at risk.

Role of the International Community:

• The United Nations, the World Food Programme (WFP), and international organizations have launched humanitarian aid and relief operations.
• However, many times relief materials and medical aid have not reached them due to lack of security and conflict situations.
• International pressure continues to mount on the Darfur conflict, and various human rights organizations have alleged that the rights of civilians are being violated in the conflict between the Sudanese government and rebels.

Political situation:

• Peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups have repeatedly failed.
• Following the conflict in Darfur, partial peace agreements were reached in some areas, but the situation remains far from stable.
• Ongoing political instability and power struggles within Sudan have hindered peace restoration in Darfur.

Economic situation:

• The conflict in Darfur is severely impacting the regional economy.
• Despite the exploitation of agriculture, mineral resources, and other natural assets, the war has devastated the region's economic situation.
• People are struggling to obtain basic daily needs, such as food, water, and medical services.