El-Fasher's Fight: A Volunteer's Harrowing Escape

The city of el-Fasher in Sudan has been under siege for over a year and a half. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control, making life extremely difficult for the people still trapped there. One man, Mouawia, managed to escape this dangerous situation, but his journey was far from easy. Mouawia, a 31-year-old activist, had been helping civilians in el-Fasher. He was part of a group that reopened a clinic and provided medical care to those in need. However, as the RSF's attacks became more frequent and violent, Mouawia realized he could no longer continue his work. He decided to leave the city in early October, covering the roughly 60km to the nearby town of Tawila over several days by cart and walking. His journey was filled with danger and humiliation. At one checkpoint, RSF fighters accused him and his companion of being soldiers. They were subjected to racial slurs and threats, and Mouawia was forced to swallow a wad of Sudanese government currency. Later, they were stopped again and demanded to pay a ransom of 10 billion Sudanese pounds, which was later reduced to 2. 5 billion. Mouawia managed to gather the money through friends and volunteers, but the experience was traumatic. The RSF's tactics were not just about control but also about extortion. They would stop people on the road and demand "transport fees" or "ticket money" to allow them to pass. Mouawia and his companion had to pay multiple times just to survive. Finally, after a long and harrowing journey, they reached Tawila, where Mouawia could finally rest. Before the war, el-Fasher was a bustling city. But when the conflict started, everything changed. Medical centers closed, streets emptied, and civilians were trapped between bombardment and siege. Mouawia and a group of young residents decided to help by reopening a clinic in their neighborhood. They worked together, regardless of their beliefs or political leanings, to treat gunshot victims, pregnant women, and displaced families. They also started community kitchens to provide food for those in need. However, as the siege tightened, the volunteers themselves became targets. The RSF occupied key areas, blocked supply routes, and turned hospitals into military zones. By the middle of this year, Mouawia and others saw no option but to leave. The situation in el-Fasher is dire, and the people there need help. The world must not forget their struggle.