Sudan: Dual Exodus Unfolds Amid War Crisis

In Sudan, a humanitarian crisis is escalating as thousands flee the violence engulfing the country. Local residents are caught in a brutal conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, particularly in the South Kordofan region. Recently, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have captured the vital oil town of Heglig, intensifying the exodus of civilians seeking safety.

Dual Exodus Amid War Crisis

Dowa Hamed, a 25-year-old mother struggling with paralysis, exemplifies the plight of many. She escaped from Heglig with her five children, leaving behind everything except the clothes they wore. “We fled with nothing,” she recounted, now sheltering at the Abou al-Naga displacement camp near Gedaref, located about 800 kilometers from her home.

Increased Displacement

Dowa is among the more than 50,000 people forced onto the roads due to the ongoing violence in South Kordofan. This region has become a new epicenter of conflict since April 2023, as fighting escalates between the army and RSF.

On December 7, residents in Heglig learned that an assault on their town was imminent. Many families, including engineers and soldiers, had to flee barefoot and unprepared. Hiyam al-Haj, a 29-year-old mother, shared her harrowing experience of escaping with her ten children. She recalled, “We fled without appropriate clothing and without knowing where our next meal would come from.”

Challenges Faced by Refugees

• The RSF pursued them to the South Sudan border, where they found refuge.
• Once across the border, many faced severe food shortages, relying on money to provide for their families.
• Some, like Hiyam, were separated from family members during their escape.

While South Sudanese authorities have helped transport families away from the frontline conflict areas, many continue to suffer along the way. Dowa explained the difficulties faced during the journey, stating, “My body ached with every bump on the truck.” Meanwhile, 14-year-old Sarah now cares for her little brother alone, having lost contact with her parents.

Conditions in Displacement Camps

The Abou al-Naga camp currently shelters over 240 families, totaling approximately 1,200 individuals. However, the camp is facing dire circumstances. Limited resources and overcrowding are putting immense pressure on the inhabitants.

Resource Shortages

• Families receive minimal food rations, forced to wait in long lines for supplies.
• The sole water source is an artisanal well, used for cooking and washing.
• Healthcare services are severely lacking, influencing the well-being of those in the camp.

Authorities have acknowledged the insufficiency of facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. Asia Abdelrahman Hussein, the Gedaref Minister of Social Protection, called for aid from various organizations. She highlighted the pressing requirement for shelter and essential resources to support families in distress.

As temperatures drop, conditions in the camp grow increasingly dire. Many people, including Sawsan Othman Mousa, a 27-year-old woman who has fled Dilling multiple times due to conflict, describe their living conditions as uncomfortable. “We suffer at night without adequate shelter or blankets,” she lamented.

The dual exodus is a tragic reminder of the ongoing war crisis in Sudan, and immediate international attention and aid are urgently needed to alleviate the pain of these refugees.