At just 19 years old, Alawia Babiker Ahmed experienced a heartbreaking loss while fleeing the violence in Sudan’s Darfur region. As she and her family made a desperate three-day journey on foot, Alawia miscarried. Despite her own pain, she noticed others around her suffering even more.
Alawia and her family traveled approximately 70 kilometers (about 45 miles) from the besieged city of el-Fasher to the small town of Tawila. They faced air strikes and threats from armed groups along the way. During their escape, they stumbled upon a tragic scene: an infant crying beside the body of his mother, who had been killed. Alawia picked up the child, covered the mother with a cloth, and continued on.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in civil war, with fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, displacing over 12 million people. Darfur has been particularly affected, with the RSF controlling most of the region, except for el-Fasher, which remains under army control.
The situation in el-Fasher has worsened as the RSF intensifies its attacks, aiming to take control of the city. In April, the RSF even announced plans to form a rival government, raising concerns about the potential division of Sudan.
Alawia’s brother, 21-year-old Marwan Mohamed Adam, also faced danger during their escape. He was attacked by gangs allied with the RSF, who beat him and stole his belongings. Marwan managed to save his life by lying about his origin. He told the attackers he was from Shaqra, a village along their route, rather than el-Fasher, where young men have been targeted and executed.
The stories of Alawia and Marwan highlight the severe human toll of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Their experience is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by countless families caught in the crossfire of war.