The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies strongly condemns the continued targeting of medical facilities by the Sudanese Armed Forces, including a deadly drone attack on Al-Daein Hospital in Central Darfur on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. These attacks constitute serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), which strictly prohibit attacks on civilians and protected objects such as hospitals. Medical personnel and facilities enjoy special protection under international law and must not be targeted under any circumstances.
On 20 March 2026, between approximately 8:40 p.m. and 9:10 p.m., two drone strikes hit Al-Daein Hospital, located in the capital of Central Darfur State, an area under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 23 November 2023. As of 23 March 2026, at least 83 civilians, including 13 children had died, and 89 others were wounded, who were subsequently transferred to private clinics in the town due to the destruction of the hospital.
This marks the second attack on the same medical facility. On 24 November 2023, SAF air force units carried out an earlier strike on Al-Daein Hospital, causing civilian casualties and significant damage.
Pattern of Attacks on Civilians and Medical Facilities
Since RSF forces took control of Al-Daein in November 2023, ACJPS has documented at least eight airstrikes and seven drone attacks carried out by SAF in the town, many of which have directly targeted civilian areas, including health infrastructure.
Escalation of Violations During Religious Periods
ACJPS has noted a recurring pattern of intensified violations during significant religious periods, including Ramadhan and Eid celebrations. These periods, which hold profound spiritual significance and emphasize the protection of life and dignity, have repeatedly been marked by grave abuses. Historical patterns underscore this trend:
Impact of the Attacks on Civilians
The continued targeting of civilian infrastructure has had devastating consequences. Women, children, and medical personnel remain particularly vulnerable. The destruction of health facilities has severely limited access to medical care, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), among the people who died in the strike on Al-Daein Teaching Hospital were 13 children, two nurses, and one doctor, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the strikes.
Conclusion
These actions not only violate international legal standards but also contravene fundamental ethical and religious principles that emphasize the protection of civilians, especially during sacred periods such as Ramadan and Eid.
Additionally, the use of drone strikes in these attacks raises serious concerns under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and may amount to grave violations requiring accountability. These developments underscore the urgent need for strengthened efforts by the International community, particularly, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)and its relevant mechanisms, to advance a clear framework for legal responsibility and ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable.
Calls to action
ACJPS calls upon;