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Survivors Describe Brutality in El-Fasher
Shaken and injured, Ezzeldin Hassan Musa recounts the violence he witnessed as paramilitary forces took control of El-Fasher city in Sudan’s Darfur region.
He says fighters tortured and killed men attempting to escape, leaving survivors terrified and struggling to flee.
Now in Tawila, a town about 80 kilometers from El-Fasher, Ezzeldin is among thousands who have reached relative safety after escaping what the United Nations calls “horrific” violence.
The Journey to Safety
Ezzeldin describes the perilous journey to Tawila:
“We left El-Fasher four days ago. The suffering we encountered on the way was unimaginable. We were divided into groups and beaten. We saw people murdered in front of us. I was hit on the head, back, and legs. They beat me with sticks. We ran when we could, while others were detained.”
Many escapees had to move by night, crawling along the ground to avoid detection. Their belongings, including phones, clothes, and shoes, were often stolen. Some went without food for several days.
Targeting Men and Soldiers
Men fleeing the city were particularly vulnerable. Ahmed Ismail Ibrahim, bandaged from multiple injuries, said RSF fighters killed four of the six men with him. He survived after being shot three times and having his phone inspected.
“They finally told us to get up and go. My brothers didn’t leave me behind. We walked until we found peace.”
Families Flee Amid Chaos
Yusra Ibrahim Mohamed, whose husband was a soldier killed during attacks, fled with her children after witnessing deadly violence.
“People could even be executed. I saw dead bodies in the streets.”
Medical charity teams report that most new arrivals are women, children, and the elderly. Hundreds require urgent medical care, including amputations and treatment for severe injuries.
Widespread Displacement
The seizure of El-Fasher marks the latest wave of violence in a city that had been under siege for 18 months. Residents suffered artillery bombardments, airstrikes, and blockades of supplies and aid. Tens of thousands were displaced earlier this year when paramilitary forces seized nearby camps.
Aid and Humanitarian Concerns
Aid organizations are concerned that the roughly 5,000 who reached Tawila represent only a fraction of those still trapped in El-Fasher or along the escape routes. Many are malnourished, dehydrated, injured, or unable to move due to ongoing insecurity.
“Public roads should be secured for citizens, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need,” said Ezzeldin.
Humanitarian groups warn that many remain stranded and in critical condition, facing trauma and life-threatening risks.
