As Sudan's civil war rages on, the BBC provides a glimpse into the lives of those trapped in el-Fasher. Through the accounts of Hafiza, Mostafa, and Manahel, we witness their struggles with grief, starvation, and the omnipresent threat of violence, painting a stark picture of life under siege.
"Sudan's Heartbreaking Siege: Lives Shattered Amidst War and Famine"
"Sudan's Heartbreaking Siege: Lives Shattered Amidst War and Famine"
In a chilling report, citizens in besieged el-Fasher share their harrowing realities as they confront loss, hunger, and fear in the midst of an ongoing civil war.
In el-Fasher, the grim aftermath of Sudan's civil war continues to unfold, with Bob Ali reporting from the frontline through BBC's covert operation that has smuggled in phones to document the harrowing experiences of those trapped in the city. Two years into the conflict, the daily lives of its inhabitants, such as 21-year-old Hafiza, are overshadowed by grief and responsibility after losing her mother to a shell explosion.
"I spend my time crying alone at home," Hafiza confesses, forced to look after her younger siblings after their father’s death prior to the war. El-Fasher has endured relentless bombings, effectively severing its connections with the outside world, and creating a humanitarian crisis that has left food and resources scarce.
Accompanying her account, 32-year-old Mostafa captures the sheer terror he faces as artillery shells rain down, noting, "There is no safe place in el-Fasher." Mostafa's home was also damaged and looted during attacks, leaving him to volunteer at shelters amidst chaos. His moving videos show an empty city where supplies are dwindling, with many resorting to drinking from contaminated water sources.
Manahel, a 26-year-old law graduate, shares her family's painful transition after they had to abandon their home, leading to the death of her father who stayed behind. These testimonies reveal that for the remaining citizens, the fight for survival often comes with the weight of grief.
The United Nations paints a grim picture, warning of looming famine in el-Fasher as thousands are left reliant on community kitchens and shelters. As these volunteers strive to provide for displaced persons, they face skyrocketing prices and dwindling stock.
The narrative shifts to ominous fears surrounding gender-based violence that have surfaced in communities previously affected by the RSF’s control. All three individuals live with the dread of potential atrocities they could face if the RSF takes complete control of el-Fasher.
The stark contrast between their reality and the discordant claims of the RSF highlights the complexity of the situation. Reports suggest that while conditions continue to worsen, political accusations and dire accusations of ethnic cleansing persist, further complicating the landscape.
As many flee to safety, the uncertainty about their future looms hauntingly; many are left pondering, "Will we ever return to el-Fasher? When will this war end?" As they pack their belongings, the hope remains dim in the shadow of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
