Abdulqadir Abdullah Ali, who suffered serious nerve damage to his leg during the long siege of the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, recalls the terrifying day when paramilitary forces captured the city. At 62 years old, he escaped the violence, finding himself in a tent camp hundreds of miles away from home.
On the morning the RSF came, there were bullets and explosives going off everywhere. People were panicked, running out of their houses in different directions, he reflects.
The situation in el-Fasher has been brutal, marking a significant clash in Sudan's civil war, which has escalated since April 2023. The RSF's takeover represents a major victory in their conflicts against the regular army, leaving a trail of displaced civilians and escalating international concerns over human rights violations.
Journalists have reported on this ongoing crisis, hearing stories from families forced to flee their homes. Many traveled by foot across dangerous terrains, coping with exhaustion and trauma. One boy shared his narrow escape: The RSF interrogated us for hours, threatening us with their guns. I thought I might die there. His sister's quick thinking ultimately saved him.
Survivors also described witnessing atrocities, including gunfire targeting civilians and sexual violence perpetrated against women. They took women behind trees, and you could hear their cries for help, one survivor recounted, highlighting the grim reality faced by many.
Despite the harrowing experiences, those who escaped remain resilient. They seek safety in precarious camps, battling despair while yearning for peace. Local officials warn of dire humanitarian needs as many are still unaccounted for amid the chaos.
As the conflict continues, the international community is urged to respond more decisively. With promises of U.S. engagement in seeking resolutions, hope flickers for many who have been afflicted by the ongoing violence.
