In brief
A BBC investigation shows that Janjaweed paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed el‑Falshar’s hospitals during the eight‑month siege that ended last year. UN human‑rights chief Volker Türk called the findings “deeply disturbing” and highlighted that such attacks violate international humanitarian law. The government’s health minister dismissed the allegations as propaganda, while two local doctors confirm the attacks were deliberate and have resulted in significant loss of life and medical equipment. The BBC urges an independent inquiry to hold those responsible accountable.
In el‑Falshar the capital of Sudan’s western region, a BBC investigation has uncovered evidence that paramilitary fighters led by the Janjaweed destroyed the city’s healthcare system during the eight‑month siege that ended last year.
The report shows that during the siege, hospitals were shelled, utilities cut, and key medical staff were killed or forced to leave. UN human‑rights chief Volker Türk described the findings as “deeply disturbing” and said the attacks violate international humanitarian law, which protects health facilities in conflict.
The Democratic Forces of Sudan’s civilian‑affiliated government, led by health minister Dr. Alaa Eldin Nugud, dismissed the claims as propaganda, asserting that the “state’s medical infrastructure remained intact.”
Two doctors who have worked in el‑Falshar, interviewed by BBC Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher, corroborated the systematic nature of the assaults and lamented the loss of life and equipment.
The BBC continues to monitor the situation and calls for an independent inquiry to hold those responsible for the massacres of civilian healthcare services accountable.
