Bombing Near Sudanese Hospital Claims Lives of Children Amid Heightened Clashes.

By Caroline Ameh

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has confirmed that two children lost their lives and several others were injured following a bomb explosion near a pediatric hospital, in El Fasher, western Sudan on Sunday.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of intensifying clashes for control over the city, the last major urban stronghold in Darfur still under army control.

The ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to a staggering death toll and forced millions to flee their homes.

The RSF’s siege on El Fasher has exacerbated tensions, resulting in heightened clashes and heavy mortar exchanges in recent days, according to reports from a local freelance journalist.

The explosion, which occurred near the Babiker Nahar Paediatric Hospital, caused the collapse of the intensive care unit’s roof, claiming the lives of two children who were receiving treatment.

Additionally, patients and caregivers sustained injuries, prompting those who could to seek refuge in another hospital already inundated with 160 wounded individuals from previous attacks.

The perpetrators of the bombing remain unknown, further fueling fear and uncertainty among El Fasher residents. Even previously deemed safe areas, such as the southern part of the city, have not been spared from the violence.

Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, expressed deep concern over the situation, warning that the lives of over 800,000 civilians are at risk. Urging an immediate cessation of hostilities, she stressed the urgent need for action.

Recall that the civil conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 following a rift between the country’s top military leaders, who had previously collaborated on a coup. Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire, the violence continues to escalate, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future.