Khartoum - Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns the violent incursion by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the emergency room of Bashair Teaching Hospital in South Khartoum on 18 December. The attackers fired weapons inside the emergency ward, directly threatened medical staff, and severely disrupted lifesaving care. MSF urgently calls on RSF to respect the neutrality of medical facilities and the safety of healthcare workers.
This latest attack follows an earlier incident on November 11, when armed fighters stormed the hospital, fired shots, and killed a patient receiving treatment. These repeated violations of the neutrality of healthcare facilities and the sanctity of medical care are unacceptable.
“Several RSF soldiers entered the emergency rooms and some of them started firing against medical personnel, threatening patients and MSF and Ministry of Health staff. Luckily, no one was injured but everyone is extremely affected by this traumatic aggression inside the hospital,” says Samuel David Theodore, Emergency Coordinator in Sudan. “Attacks against medical facilities and health personnel are unacceptable, hospitals must remain safe spaces, free from violence and intimidation. Staff cannot have their lives threatened whilst they provide care.”
Bashair Teaching Hospital is one of the last functioning healthcare facilities in South Khartoum amidst the ongoing conflict. MSF staff have tirelessly maintained lifesaving activities under exceptionally difficult conditions.
“Bashair Teaching Hospital is a lifeline for thousands of people in South Khartoum,” said Claire San Filippo, Emergency Coordinator for Sudan. “MSF support is critical for countless men, women, and children affected by this devastating conflict. However, the safety of our patients and staff is paramount. Attacks like these severely compromise our ability to continue operating”.
Since the beginning of June 2024, MSF has conducted 12396 emergency consultations, 2510 patients were admitted in the maternity and 4490 children were screened for malnutrition.
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