Reports: Sudanese paramilitary fighters targeted el-Fasher hospitals during Darfur siege, says BBC investigation

What happened

A BBC investigation reports evidence that Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed the healthcare system in el-Fasher during their prolonged siege and takeover of the city in Darfur about a year ago. This claim is supported by doctors speaking to the BBC who describe targeted attacks on hospitals and medical staff.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The investigation’s findings have drawn condemnation from Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, who called the targeting of medical facilities "deeply disturbing." Under international law, such attacks on health infrastructure and personnel during conflict are illegal.

Sudan's health minister, Dr Alaa Eldin Nugud, representing the civilian-affiliated government, dismissed the allegations as propaganda, creating a contested narrative around responsibility and the nature of the conflict’s impact on healthcare services in the region.

Known from the source

• BBC investigation reports paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed healthcare facilities in el-Fasher during siege and takeover about one year ago.
• Doctors interviewed by BBC support claims of systemic hospital targeting.
• Volker Türk, UN human rights chief, condemned the attacks as violations of international law.
• Sudan’s health minister dismissed the allegations as propaganda.
• The incident occurred in Darfur's el-Fasher city.

What remains unclear

The destruction of hospitals in el-Fasher—capital of North Darfur—adds to the complex humanitarian crisis affecting Darfur and wider Sudan, where fighting between paramilitary forces and Sudanese Armed Forces has resulted in displacement and heightened famine risk. The targeting of hospitals, if confirmed, would severely undermine efforts to provide critical aid and medical support to civilian populations.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of systematic targeting and extent of healthcare destruction in el-Fasher. Confirmation of which paramilitary groups were involved and the timeline of the siege and takeover. Verification of casualty and displacement figures related to hospital targeting.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: BBC Africa Sudan. Open the source.