Twelve-year-old Abdiwahab, a child refugee from the city of el-Fasher in western Sudan, recently shared his harrowing experience of fleeing violence as the region continues to be engulfed in conflict. Amid a two-and-a-half-year civil war involving the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army, Abdiwahab recounted his journey, which began on a Sunday after RSF fighters took control of el-Fasher. He expressed that he had been assaulted multiple times while escaping.
The United Nations estimates that around 60,000 individuals have fled el-Fasher, many revealing stories of violence and trauma, including instances of sexual assault. Abdiwahab managed to reach Tawila, approximately 80 kilometers away, after a three-day trek, but arrived alone after being separated from his family during the chaos. He described being labeled a “spy” and facing abuse from RSF forces during his escape. His mother and one sister were taken by RSF a month prior, leaving him unsure of their safety.
Ali, a volunteer aid worker who fled el-Fasher two weeks ago, has been documenting the accounts of newcomers like Abdiwahab at a temporary camp in Tawila. The camp sees the arrival of numerous unaccompanied minors, many of whom have lost their parents. Ali emphasized the dire conditions faced by new arrivals, which include injuries, malnutrition, and psychological trauma.
Aid agencies are struggling to address the overwhelming need for assistance, as many mothers arrive with children, requiring food, water, and medical care. Reports indicate that women fleeing violence have been robbed during their escape. Additionally, the UN has noted that the civilian population still trapped in el-Fasher faces famine-like conditions and a lack of safe passage out. RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo recently acknowledged “violations” occurring in the city, claiming investigations would follow, although conditions remain perilous for many civilians.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyk1nq6v4lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss