Sudanese families trek 60 kilometers without sustenance to escape violence

Thousands of Sudanese civilians are undertaking perilous journeys on foot to escape escalating violence in El-Fasher, North Darfur's capital. According to UNICEF, displaced families are arriving in Tawila, approximately 60 kilometers away, in desperate condition after walking for four to five days without adequate food or water.

Harrowing conditions during displacement

UNICEF nutrition specialist Abubazar Ahmed reported that over 6,000 people reached Tawila last week alone, with arrivals continuing daily. "The displaced face major challenges along the way, with some being beaten, while others spend days without food or water," Ahmed stated. He noted that most arrivals appear severely dehydrated and malnourished, including both children and adults, with many children separated from their families during the chaotic exodus.

Medical and humanitarian crisis deepens

The medical situation in the region remains critical, with the World Health Organization warning that patients are dying in El-Fasher Hospital due to severe shortages of medical supplies. Meanwhile, Sudan's Ministry of Social Welfare Undersecretary Salma Ishaq reported alarming violence against women during the conflict, telling Al Jazeera that 25 women were raped and 300 others killed by Rapid Support Forces fighters in El-Fasher.

International response and RSF acknowledgment

Medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders has expressed grave concern for thousands of civilians still trapped in El-Fasher following the RSF's capture of the city on Sunday. The RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, previously acknowledged that "violations" had occurred by his forces in El-Fasher, claiming investigation committees had been formed. The conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF that began in April 2023 has now displaced over 15 million people, according to United Nations estimates.