Doctors tell the BBC about the targeting of Sudanese hospitals by paramilitary fighters

What the report says

BBC World News reports that a BBC investigation found evidence suggesting Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically damaged or destroyed health facilities in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, during a prolonged siege and after taking control of the city about a year ago. The report centers on testimony from doctors who described hospitals being targeted, along with broader findings that the city’s healthcare system was left severely weakened.

The article says UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the findings as deeply disturbing. It also notes that, under international humanitarian law, attacks on hospitals and medical staff are prohibited during armed conflict. The BBC says its Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher spoke with two doctors who support the claim that the attacks were deliberate and widespread.

The report includes a response from Dr Alaa Eldin Nugud, health minister in the group’s civilian-affiliated government, who rejected the allegations and called them propaganda. The piece does not provide a full legal finding, but it highlights the disputed nature of the claims while underlining the seriousness of the allegations.

More broadly, the story adds to concerns about the toll of Sudan’s war on civilians and access to care in conflict zones, especially in Darfur where medical infrastructure has been repeatedly strained.