Displaced People of Darfur: Ongoing Suffering Amid Bombardment and Hunger

The escalating clashes between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur, along with the siege of El Fasher and increasing violations, have worsened the tragedy faced by displaced persons and refugees in Tawila area and the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps.

Those fleeing the horrors of the fighting face a string of abuses, violence, and gunfire along the roads during their displacement journeys. The trauma is compounded by rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. Most arrivals lack shelter, food, and water, and face disease and starvation.

Violations and Crimes

The Darfur Displaced and Refugees Coordination reported that it documented numerous violations committed against displaced persons on the El Fasher–Tawila road, including 350 cases of rape and shootings of civilians in just one week.

The wounded were reportedly taken to a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Tawila for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Darfur Women’s Platform called on the international community to provide urgent humanitarian aid to civilians in El Fasher, as well as in Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps and surrounding villages affected by the violence. They emphasized the need to ensure access to water, food, medicine, and essential supplies for women and children—calling for air drops of aid by UN aircraft to ensure civilian survival.

The platform’s statement also stressed the importance of immediate shelter for victims of sexual violence—especially women, girls, and mothers—along with medical and psychological support, and assistance for people with disabilities and children displaced by the war. It further urged the documentation of all violations with the aim of prosecuting perpetrators under international humanitarian law.

Hunger and Disease

Adam Al-Gaili, who resides in the Tawila camp, told Mashawir that “the displaced are living in extremely dire humanitarian conditions, in addition to enduring various forms of human rights violations.” He noted cases of malnutrition among children and pregnant women, as well as suffering among breastfeeding mothers and individuals with chronic illnesses due to lack of access to healthcare.

He added that thousands urgently need shelter, food, water, and medical supplies, especially following the deaths of dozens from thirst and hunger along the road between Zamzam and Tawila. Many others collapsed from exhaustion and had to be rushed to the French MSF hospital for emergency treatment.

Al-Gaili pointed out that while aid is currently being provided by international and national organizations, emergency response groups, and local authorities, the growing needs have overwhelmed available capacities, making it impossible for current efforts to meet demand.

Urgent Appeal

Nafeesa Hamid, who fled from Abu Shouk camp with her children, told Mashawir that she and her family suffered from severe thirst throughout the three-day journey on foot before finally reaching Tawila.

She recounted how all her few belongings were looted along the way, and now she owns nothing. “My children are in desperate need of food, blankets, and medicine, especially in these harsh conditions,” she said.

Hamid emphasized that the grim living conditions in the camps require urgent humanitarian intervention. “Displaced people need food, healthcare, and clean water,” she said, calling for a swift response from local, regional, and international humanitarian organizations.