Sudan War Escalates: 460 Killed in Alleged Massacre at Darfur's el-Fasher Hospital

Shares of Sudan's economy plummeted in the wake of the ongoing civil war, with the latest reports emerging of a massacre at the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher, a city in the war-torn Darfur region. At least 460 patients and their companions were allegedly killed by paramilitary forces, according to eyewitness accounts. Abdu-Rabbu Ahmed, a laboratory technician at the Saudi Maternity Hospital, described the events leading up to his escape as a "state of terror." Speaking to the BBC from a displaced persons camp in Tawila, some 70km west of el-Fasher, Ahmed recounted the chaos and desperation that gripped the hospital as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of the city. "I have lost my colleagues," he said, his voice shaking with emotion. "I have lost the people whose faces I used to see smiling... It feels as if you lost a big part of your body or your soul." The RSF, a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023, when a power struggle between their leaders erupted into a full-blown civil war. The conflict has left thousands dead and displaced, with many more struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The alleged massacre at the Saudi Hospital is one of the most shocking incidents to emerge from the conflict, highlighting the devastating impact of the war on civilians. Ahmed, who worked at the hospital throughout the conflict, said he has lost all hope of returning to el-Fasher. "I have no hope of going back," he said. "I have no hope of happiness." The international community has condemned the alleged massacre, with the United Nations and human rights organizations calling for an immediate investigation into the incident. The RSF has denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations have sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. As the conflict continues to escalate, the humanitarian situation in Darfur remains dire. Thousands of people are displaced, and many more are struggling to access basic necessities. The international community is urging all parties to the conflict to respect human rights and protect civilians. The situation in Sudan remains fluid, with reports emerging of further violence and displacement. The RSF and the Sudanese army continue to clash, with no end to the conflict in sight. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution to the crisis and an end to the suffering of the people of Sudan.