In the face of escalating violence and war, doctors in Sudan’s western Darfur region continue their heroic efforts to save lives under extreme conditions. Dr. Mustafa Ali Abdulrahman Ibo, along with his colleagues at Saudi Hospital in El-Fasher, is demonstrating exceptional resilience as they perform life-saving surgeries while enduring continuous bombardment. This is just one example of the dire situation in a region ravaged by conflict and suffering, where healthcare professionals are going above and beyond their call of duty.
The Impact of the Ongoing Siege on El-Fasher
El-Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur, has been under siege for the past nine months due to the civil conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has left over 12 million people displaced, creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. As the siege continues, Saudi Hospital has remained the only medical facility in the city providing critical care, including emergency surgeries, obstetric services, and life-saving interventions for both civilians and war casualties.
A Month of Devastating Losses
Over the past month, Saudi Hospital has witnessed an unprecedented level of destruction. The hospital recorded 28 deaths and more than 50 injuries among its staff and patients due to intense shelling. Dr. Ibo described how the situation had deteriorated, explaining that recent attacks have intensified, becoming a routine part of daily life for those working at the facility.
“The continuous attacks targeting the hospital have intensified dramatically. It has become part of our daily lives,” said Dr. Ibo.
Life-Saving Surgery Under Bombardment
Despite the growing dangers, the medical team at Saudi Hospital continues to perform essential surgeries. One of the most harrowing experiences was when a team of medics was conducting an emergency caesarean section during a shelling attack. Dr. Ibo recalled the terror of the day when a shell hit the hospital’s perimeter wall, followed by another shell that struck the maternity operating room, damaging the hospital’s electrical generator and plunging the room into darkness.
Performing Surgery in Total Darkness
With power lost and debris scattered across the room, the medical team had no choice but to use the flashlight on their phones to complete the two-hour operation. Dr. Khatab Mohammed, the lead surgeon, described the challenges they faced during this life-threatening ordeal.
“The situation was dire, the environment was no longer sterile,” Dr. Mohammed said. “We had to ensure our safety and the patient’s safety from shrapnel, clean up, and change our surgical gowns, as they were full of dust. Despite everything, we continued the surgery.”
After successfully delivering the baby, the team moved both the mother and newborn to another room to recover, while the surgeons took a moment to reflect on their survival.
A Shared Moment of Survival
Following the emergency surgery, the medical team gathered for a group photo—a moment that symbolized their resilience despite the constant threat of death. “It might be our last photo, believing that another shell would hit the same spot and we would all die,” Dr. Mohammed said, emphasizing the uncertainty of their situation. Despite the risks, the team performed two more critical surgeries that day, saving more lives in the process.
The Situation in El-Fasher: A City Under Siege
El-Fasher has become the epicenter of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. As the only remaining city under army control in the region, it has been surrounded by the RSF, which has cut off supply routes and subjected the area to brutal bombardment. All other hospitals in the city have been forced to close, leaving Saudi Hospital as the sole facility capable of performing surgeries and providing essential medical care.
A Heartbreaking Situation at Saudi Hospital
Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, the medical director of Saudi Hospital, described the heartbreaking reality they face daily. Despite a lack of resources, equipment, and personnel, the staff at the hospital continue their work, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the people of El-Fasher.
“Pregnant women, children, and staff were in shock and paralysis. Some people were injured and had to be pulled out of the rubble,” Suleiman said. “Despite the challenges, we continue our work because women and children have no other place to turn for help.”
The hospital, which had once specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, now provides all types of medical services, including emergency care for war victims. It also serves the nearby Zamzam refugee camp, which has swelled to accommodate around 500,000 displaced individuals living in famine conditions.
The Strain of War on Medical Workers
Dr. Ibo, who has lived in El-Fasher since 2011, credits the resilience of the hospital staff for allowing them to continue their work under such extreme conditions. “We lose people every day, and offices and rooms are destroyed, but thanks to the determination of the young staff, we continue to persevere,” he said.
The hospital staff, many of whom are graduates of the University of El-Fasher, have chosen to stay in the city despite the growing risks. They remain committed to their duty, choosing to stay with the people of Darfur in their time of greatest need.
Attacks on Humanitarian Aid: A Global Call for Action
The violence against healthcare workers and facilities has been widely condemned by international organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an immediate halt to attacks on health facilities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international humanitarian laws.
“The sanctity of health must be respected even in war,” said Loza Mesfin Tesfaye, WHO Sudan communications officer.
Sadly, even humanitarian aid efforts have not been spared. Earlier this month, a clearly marked MSF ambulance was attacked, further highlighting the dangers faced by medical teams attempting to provide life-saving care in conflict zones.
A Commitment to Saving Lives Amid Destruction
Despite the challenges, the doctors and medical staff in El-Fasher remain determined to save lives. “Our souls refused to abandon the people of this city,” Dr. Mohammed said. “We continue saving lives from wherever we can, even underground or under the shade of a tree. We pray for the war to end and for peace to prevail.”
The bravery of these healthcare professionals—who work under impossible conditions—is a testament to their unwavering commitment to saving lives in one of the most dangerous places on Earth. Their courage and resilience provide hope amidst a crisis that seems without end.
Conclusion
The doctors and medical staff at Saudi Hospital in El-Fasher are heroes, carrying out life-saving surgeries and providing critical care in the midst of relentless violence and destruction. Their determination to serve the people of Darfur, despite the constant threat of death, exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
As the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, the international community must do more to protect healthcare workers and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in need. Until then, the medical team in El-Fasher will continue their work, hoping for an end to the violence and the restoration of peace in their war-torn region.
