Canada has issued a strong condemnation following a drone attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan, which resulted in over 70 deaths and left many others injured.
In a statement shared on X, Canada’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “devastating assault” that has forced the city’s only fully operational health facility out of service. The ministry emphasized that such actions heighten risks to civilians, stating, “The use of drones marks an increased threat to civilian lives.”
The statement further highlighted the critical role of healthcare workers and facilities in conflict zones, calling them “lifelines for civilians” that must be safeguarded “under all circumstances.” Canada reiterated its call for all parties in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The drone strike, reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), comes amidst ongoing hostilities between the RSF and the Sudanese army, a war that began in April 2023. Both factions have been accused of committing war crimes, including targeting civilians and indiscriminate shelling, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities.
Canada’s condemnation aligns with growing international concern over escalating violence in Sudan and the urgent need to protect civilians and humanitarian infrastructure in the conflict-torn region.