A tragic scene unfolded at Abdelmoniem Mohamed Health Centre in Sudan when troops from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stormed the facility, resulting in the death of 19 medical staff members and students. The Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate released a statement condemning the mistreatment of Major General Majdi Wasfi, a surgeon who was forcibly taken from his home by the RSF.
The Army Corps of Engineers commander reportedly suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, and is over 70 years old. Video footage revealed that he was beaten during his arrest, which was a “flagrant violation of humanity”, according to the syndicate.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the death of numerous medical personnel since it started. The syndicate is calling on all parties involved to adhere to the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The Emergency Room at Old Omdurman Medical Centre announced that Abdelmoniem Mohamed Health Centre will be shut down after RSF forces violently entered the facility, occupied the centre and vandalized it. Although the damage caused could not be counted, the Emergency Room stated in a statement that the entire incident was regrettable.
The Sudanese government has not officially commented on the incident or issued any statement regarding the mistreatment of Maj. Gen. Majdi Wasfi. The Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate has urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to check his health condition and reiterated its call to respect the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The loss of 19 medical staff members, combined with the closure of a health centre, has dealt a severe blow to an already fragile healthcare system. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people, according to the latest UN report. It is crucial that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize the safety of civilians and medical personnel by adhering to international human rights laws and conventions.
