A devastating attack on a hospital and kindergarten in Sudan has left over 100 people dead, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This senseless act of violence has shocked the world and sparked outrage.
Drone strikes targeted the facilities in the town of Kalogi, South Kordofan, on Thursday. The United Nations reports that 63 of the victims were children. Both the army and a medical organization, the Sudan Doctors' Network, have accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction involved in Sudan's ongoing civil war, of carrying out this horrific attack.
But here's where it gets controversial: the RSF has also claimed control of Sudan's largest oil field, Heglig. This development adds a new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when a power struggle erupted between the RSF and the army, former allies. The region, situated between Khartoum and Darfur, has become a battleground, with the army pushing towards Darfur, which is under RSF control. Initial reports from Kalogi, held by the army, suggested a death toll of at least 50, including 33 children.
The WHO's monitoring system reports a higher figure: 114 dead and 35 injured. Local official Essam al-Din al-Sayed described the drone attacks, stating they struck a kindergarten, a hospital, and then again as people attempted to rescue the children.
The RSF has remained silent, but they have previously denied harming civilians. However, Mr. Tedros, the WHO chief, accused them in October of killing civilians in el-Fasher, Darfur's main hospital. He added that survivors of the Kalogi attack have been moved to Abu Jebaiha Hospital for treatment, and urgent calls for blood donations and medical support are ongoing.
Mr. Tedros expressed his concern, stating that paramedics and responders were attacked while trying to move the injured. He strongly condemned these senseless attacks on civilians and health facilities, calling for an end to the violence and increased access to humanitarian aid, including healthcare.
Without directly blaming either side for Thursday's attack, Mr. Tedros urged an end to the war, emphasizing that the Sudanese people have suffered enough. He posted on X, "Ceasefire now! Sudanese deserve peace."
The RSF describes its capture of the Heglig oil field as pivotal. An army source told Reuters that government troops withdrew to protect the oil facilities and prevent damage. Another source working at the oil field confirmed that the army and oil workers retreated into South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
According to Reuters, Heglig is crucial for both countries' economies, housing the main processing facility for South Sudanese oil, a significant source of revenue for South Sudan's government, and vital for Sudan's hard-currency earnings.
This tragic situation in Sudan raises important questions: How can we ensure the protection of civilians and healthcare facilities in conflict zones? What steps can be taken to bring about a peaceful resolution to this devastating war? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments below.
