Sudan health centres attacks in the southern state of South Kordofan have killed more than 30 people within a single week, according to the World Health Organization, highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis amid nearly three years of war.
The attacks come as diplomatic efforts continue to end the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with the United Arab Emirates announcing support for a US-backed peace initiative.
The parallel developments underscore the gap between ongoing violence on the ground and international attempts to halt one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
WHO Reports Deadly Attacks on Health Facilities
The World Health Organization said Sunday that three separate attacks targeted medical facilities in South Kordofan over the past week, a region already struggling with acute malnutrition and limited access to care.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the incidents were part of a wider pattern of violence against Sudan’s collapsing health system, warning that medical services are increasingly being caught in the conflict.
Timeline of the Attacks
According to the WHO:
On February 3, an attack on a primary health centre killed eight people, including five children and three women, and injured 11 others.
On February 4, a hospital was attacked, leaving one person killed.
On February 5, another hospital attack killed 22 people, including four health workers, and injured eight.
Tedros said the repeated strikes demonstrate that “Sudan’s health system is under attack again,” stressing that medical facilities and personnel are protected under international humanitarian law.
War in Sudan and Its Humanitarian Impact
Sudan has been at war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around 11 million, according to international estimates.
Kordofan, particularly its southern areas, has become one of the main theatres of fighting in recent months. Health services in the region have been severely weakened by shortages of staff, medicine, and funding, making attacks on hospitals especially devastating for civilians.
International agencies warn that violence against health infrastructure accelerates the spread of disease, increases maternal and child mortality, and leaves communities without lifesaving treatment.
WHO Appeal for Peace
Tedros urged the international community to back Sudan’s peace initiatives, saying that ending the war is essential to protect civilians and rebuild the country’s shattered health system.
He added that sustainable access to healthcare cannot be restored without a halt to hostilities, describing peace as the most effective remedy for Sudan’s crisis.
UAE Welcomes US-Backed Peace Plan
As violence continues, the United Arab Emirates announced it welcomed a US-backed Comprehensive Peace Plan for Sudan, unveiled by US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos.
In a statement posted on X, the UAE foreign ministry said Abu Dhabi supports regional and international efforts aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Quad mediation group, which includes the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Key Elements of the Proposal
Speaking at a Sudan donors’ conference in Washington, Boulos outlined five core elements of the proposed plan:
A humanitarian truce.
Protection and return of civilians.
A permanent ceasefire.
A political transition process.
Post-war reconstruction.
Boulos expressed cautious optimism that broader agreement could still be reached despite repeated failures of past truce efforts.
Diplomatic Tensions and Aid Commitments
Peace talks have remained stalled for months, partly due to tensions between Sudan’s army leadership and the Quad. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has accused the group of bias toward the UAE.
Sudan’s military government cut diplomatic ties with Abu Dhabi last year, alleging that the UAE armed the RSF. The UAE has denied the accusations, despite reports from UN experts, US lawmakers, and international organizations suggesting external support to the paramilitary force.
At the Washington donors’ conference, the UAE pledged $500 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan, while the United States committed $200 million for the 2026 fiscal year.
Growing Famine Risk
UN-backed experts warned last week that famine conditions are spreading in western Darfur, another region heavily affected by fighting. Aid agencies say continued insecurity, combined with attacks on infrastructure such as hospitals, is worsening food shortages and limiting relief operations.
Conclusion:
The Sudan health centres attacks in South Kordofan highlight the severe risks facing civilians as the war grinds on. While diplomatic initiatives and aid pledges offer a potential path forward, international organizations warn that without a sustained ceasefire, violence against civilians and essential services is likely to continue.
