A Doctor’s Tragic Death in El Fasher Sparks Outrage
On November 5, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Sudan Doctors Network expressed deep concern over the killing of a doctor in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The incident involved the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which were accused of executing Dr. Adam Ibrahim Ismail after capturing him.
Since October 26, there has been no contact with the medical staff at the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, which had become the last facility offering limited emergency services in the city. This situation has raised fears that the medical personnel might face physical elimination, especially given previous attacks by RSF drones on the facility.
The Federal Ministry of Health released a statement condemning the act as a “brutal crime” that reflects a “systematic approach of targeting medical personnel and humanitarian workers.” The ministry described the incident as a “flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international values and norms.”
Dr. Adam Ibrahim Ismail had been stationed at the Saudi Hospital for over 700 days since the war began. He provided essential medical and humanitarian services to the residents of El Fasher, despite the constant risks and shortages of supplies. His unwavering dedication and sincerity were highlighted in the statement.
The Ministry of Health held the RSF leadership fully responsible for the crime, emphasizing that the act was a “blatant assault on the sanctity of the medical profession.” It also pointed out that this was a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which protect doctors and health workers during armed conflicts.
The ministry urged the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and international medical and human rights organizations to “act urgently to hold the perpetrators of this crime accountable.” It stressed that the repeated violations committed by the RSF militia amount to “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Sudan Doctors Network Condemns the Killing
Separately, the Sudan Doctors Network (SDN) also condemned the killing of Dr. Adam Ibrahim Ismail. In a press statement, it denounced the execution as part of a “systematic targeting of medical personnel and humanitarian workers.”
The SDN added: “A force belonging to the RSF arrested the doctor in El Fasher after overrunning it, before summarily executing him, in a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and all values and norms that criminalize attacks on medical staff.”
The network held “the RSF leadership fully responsible for this heinous crime,” calling on the United Nations and the World Health Organization to “act immediately to protect doctors and health sector workers, and to hold the perpetrators of these repeated violations accountable.”
Previously, the SDN had reported that RSF forces abducted six medical personnel in El Fasher and demanded their families pay a ransom exceeding $250,000 for their release.
Ongoing Crisis and Calls for Action
The situation in El Fasher continues to deteriorate, with the healthcare system under immense pressure. The loss of the Saudi Hospital as a functioning medical facility leaves the population vulnerable, especially in times of conflict and crisis.
As the international community watches closely, the need for immediate action becomes more urgent. The calls from both the Federal Ministry of Health and the Sudan Doctors Network highlight the importance of protecting medical professionals and ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need.
With the ongoing violence and lack of accountability, the hope remains that global organizations will take decisive steps to address these violations and support the affected communities. The tragic death of Dr. Adam Ibrahim Ismail serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dedicate their lives to saving others in the most challenging circumstances.