In brief
In the besieged city of el-Fasher, residents like Hafiza, Mostafa, and Manahel share harrowing tales of loss and fear as they navigate the chaos of Sudan's civil war. Utilizing smuggled phones provided by the BBC, they document daily life amidst shelling, hunger, and the constant threat of violence.
In a city gripped by conflict, the voices of those trapped in el-Fasher, Darfur, tell a story of survival and heartbreak amid Sudan's civil war, which erupted two years ago. Using smuggled phones, the BBC World Service has documented the everyday struggles of residents facing relentless bombardment and an escalating humanitarian crisis.Hafiza, a 21-year-old survivor, recalls the traumatic loss of her mother when a shell struck the local market. With her father deceased, she shoulders the weight of caring for her five-year-old brother and two teenage sisters. "Grief is very difficult; I still can't bring myself to visit her workplace," Hafiza reflects, showcasing resilience through her efforts to aid displaced families despite her own suffering.El-Fasher, effectively cut off from the external world for a year, has been besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to accusations of war crimes against both rival factions in the ongoing conflict. As the human toll mounts, Hafiza and others bravely document their plight, exposing the realities of scarcity and fear.Mostafa, another resident, captures the chaos around him, as explosive shelling marks his everyday existence. He reveals that amidst intense attacks, looters have ravaged homes, leaving destruction in their wake. "Everything was turned upside down," he laments, emphasizing the pervasive danger: "There is no safe place in el-Fasher."Manahel, who recently graduated, undertook efforts to provide meals to those in shelters. The meals, often the only nourishment many receive, highlight a grim reality where food insecurity prevails amid soaring prices. "Every family is equal now; people are unable to afford basic necessities," she states.As violence escalates, fears grow among residents such as Hafiza, whose concerns about safety and the potential for sexual violence stem from the RSF's takeover of other cities. These vulnerabilities are compounded by the haunting memories of systemic atrocities reported in places like el-Geneina, where ethnic cleansing allegations persist.Despite the hardships, the need for testimony and connection remains strong. Signs of community solidarity manifest in volunteers like Mostafa and Manahel, who continue to support each other in the face of adversity. But with nearly 2,000 casualties reported in el-Fasher since the conflict began, life becomes increasingly unsustainable, forcing residents to contemplate escape.As fears and uncertainty loom over the city, Hafiza, Mostafa, and Manahel ponder their uncertain futures, wrestling with hopes and anxieties about returning home while bearing witness to their crises through their smuggled phones. "We are leaving without knowing our fate," Manahel reflects as she packs her belongings, symbolizing the plight of countless others longing for peace in a country overshadowed by war.
