Sudan's Hidden Crisis: Thousands Trapped as Violence Escalates

The situation in Sudan is getting worse. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken over el-Fasher, a city in the western Darfur region. This happened after a long siege that lasted 18 months. Now, people are fleeing, but not enough are making it to safety. Only a few thousand have reached the nearest camp in Tawila. This camp is about 65 kilometers away. Shashwat Saraf, who works with the Norwegian Refugee Council, says the numbers are too low. He worries about the many still trapped in el-Fasher. Survival there is becoming very hard. People who have escaped share scary stories. They talk about dodging gunmen and running for their lives. Many arrive at the camp hurt, dehydrated, and confused. Some don't even remember their names. They need medical help right away. The war in Sudan started in April 2023. It has killed over 40, 000 people, but the real number might be much higher. More than 14 million have been forced to leave their homes. Diseases are spreading, making things even worse. Saraf says many people are stuck because they can't afford to move. They don't have money to escape. Around 170 children, some as young as 3, have arrived alone. They don't know where their families are. Sudan's government accuses the RSF of war crimes. They want the international community to act, not just talk. The government also blames the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for supporting the RSF. The UAE denies this but admits they made a mistake by backing both sides in the past. There are fears the RSF will attack more areas. Recently, they killed 12 people, including children, in camps in the central Kordofan region. The situation is critical, and the world needs to pay attention.