By Nafisa Eltahir

KHARTOUM (Reuters – Security forces burst into the Khartoum Teachers Hospital’s windows, then opened fire on an emergency department crammed with protesters who were injured at a nearby demonstration.

A nurse, who requested anonymity out of fear for retribution, said that “we were just around the corner trying desperately to hide it. It came right by our heads.” “We were unable to breathe so we had to hurry out.”

Three years ago, attacks on Sudanese medical facilities were resurrected during protests against the October coup. This anger has deepened and added to an already stretched health system.

After three decades of autocratic rule, Omar al-Bashir was overthrown by a coup that ended an agreement between major political parties and the military to share power.

Continuing violence against demonstrations could complicate efforts to resolve https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-says-dialogue-solve-post-coup-crisis-sudan-start-immediately-2022-01-10 a standoff between military leaders and a large protest movement that wants civilian rule.

Hundreds of protesters were injured by tear gas and live bullets since the coup. At least 63 people have also died according to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors(CCSD), a union of medics aligned with the protesters.

According to military leaders, the coup saved Sudan from chaos. Khartoum State security Committee released a statement Saturday expressing regret for the violations of hospital grounds. They also committed to providing top-ranking officers in the facility to watch any potential breaches.

‘IMMORAL, INHUMANE’

Hospitals that are located along major protest routes have been the target of attacks on health facilities and regularly treat protesters.

Security forces tried repeatedly to disperse demonstrators near Khartoum Teaching hospital and chase them down side roads as they marched towards the Presidential Palace, approximately 1.2km (0.75 mi) away.

Khartoum Teaching Hotel was subject to three attacks with tear gas, according to its director Dr. Elfatih Abdallah.

He said that this was immoral and inhumane.

Emad Mamoun deputy hospital director said that the hospital has been attacked and arrested patients as well as their family members and friends.

A police officer who declined to comment said that they do not attack doctors. He also stated, “We don’t assault doctors. Doctors are respected by us because we regard them as colleagues.” As their role is to safeguard them, we don’t assault citizens.

According to medics, it’s not clear who is behind the security system in Sudan. According to them, even when security forces are not allowed into the hospital, teargas is sometimes fired near it, which makes it hard for doctors and nurses to do their jobs.

CCSD accuses security forces of seizing hospitals during protests and blocking entry and exit to ambulances.

Medical personnel marched in labcoats on Sunday to present a report to U.N. Human Rights. It detailed more than 20 incidents where security forces had impeded medical treatment across the country.

The attacks forced the interim health minister to resign. However, colleagues convinced him later to stay.

Even though the number of police officers present at protests Sunday was lower than normal, witnesses reported seeing tear gas being fired near Khartoum Teaching Health Center.

Norwegian Ambassador Therese Loken Gheziel stated during a hospital visit that attacks will impede the international community’s ability to engage with authorities.

“Trust must be rebuilt. People need to see justice. And violence needs to end. She said that then we could facilitate consultations.