Twelve-year-old Abdiwahab reported being assaulted and accused of spying while escaping from el-Fasher, a city that fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. He was separated from his family during the journey and reached the town of Tawila alone. The UN estimates that 60,000 people have fled el-Fasher, with many reporting atrocities. Aid agencies are overwhelmed by the influx of people requiring assistance, including unaccompanied minors, and have raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers. RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has acknowledged "violations" in el-Fasher, stating they would be investigated. Over 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, are estimated to remain in the city, facing severe conditions.
Escape from El-Fasher
Abdiwahab, 12, left el-Fasher on Sunday as the city was captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been engaged in a two-and-a-half-year civil war against the army. In a video received by the BBC, Abdiwahab described being assaulted multiple times by RSF fighters. He joined others fleeing the city, including some of his family, amid reported fears of reprisal attacks. The UN estimates 60,000 people have left el-Fasher, with reports of atrocities, including rape.
After three days of walking, Abdiwahab reached Tawila, located 80km (50 miles) away, arriving alone. He stated he was separated from his father and siblings due to the chaos. During his journey, he reported being assaulted by RSF fighters and accused of espionage. This aligns with other accounts indicating that men and boys face risks such as arbitrary arrest, violence, and summary execution. Abdiwahab stated his mother and one sister were taken by RSF fighters approximately a month ago, and their current status is unknown.
Conditions for Displaced Persons
Ali, a volunteer aid worker who previously fled el-Fasher, filmed Abdiwahab's account. Ali is stationed at the entrance to Tawila, where a temporary camp has been established for new arrivals before their relocation to permanent camps within the town. Ali reported taking Abdiwahab home while efforts are made to locate his parents. He noted Abdiwahab's reaction to light at night, describing it as fear of RSF vehicles.
Ali reported that new arrivals at the camp frequently share stories of survival. There are numerous unaccompanied minors, including children who lost their parents en route, arriving daily. Ali cited an instance where twin children, approximately 10 years old, arrived with a woman who reported their parents had died on the way. Arrivals often present with injuries and malnutrition. Survivors have reported encountering dead bodies and hearing cries from the wounded along the escape routes.
Challenges for Aid Efforts
Aid organizations operating in Tawila are reportedly hesitant to leave the town, following the reported killing of five Red Crescent volunteers in another state earlier this week. These organizations are awaiting assurances regarding safety.
Save the Children reported that mothers arriving in Tawila are in need of food, water, and medical assistance. Some women reported being attacked by armed men on motorbikes and robbed during their escape. The aid agency stated that women and children who reached Tawila without food or water are now entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance. The UN's refugee agency has reported difficulties in providing sufficient shelter and food for the civilians seeking refuge.
Situation in El-Fasher
Reports indicate that not all civilians have been able to leave el-Fasher. This week, RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged "violations" in the city and stated that investigations would be conducted. A senior UN official reported that the RSF had communicated the arrest of some suspects. Save the Children estimates that over 260,000 people, including 130,000 children, remain in the city. These individuals are reportedly contending with famine-like conditions, the collapse of health services, and a lack of safe exit routes.