In brief
As Sudan's civil war persists, residents of el-Fasher share their harrowing experiences of loss, survival, and hope through smuggled BBC phones. With basic necessities scarce and the threat of violence looming, these civilians strive to support one another despite overwhelming fear.
In the siege-stricken city of el-Fasher, Sudan, the harrowing reality of the ongoing civil war has been vividly documented through the use of smuggled phones, thanks to the BBC World Service. Hafiza, a 21-year-old, mourns the loss of her mother, who was killed in a shelling incident while trying to sell goods in the market. Her heartbreaking situation became a focal point as she recorded her struggles and the immense responsibilities of caring for her younger siblings.Under siege for over a year, el-Fasher has faced a relentless assault, leaving its residents cut off from the outside world, thus complicating journalistic access. Those trapped within have found ways to communicate their plight, sharing their fears and experiences—often under the threat of further violence. Hafiza's efforts to provide aid to displaced individuals in her community offer a glimpse of hope amid despair, as she spends her time distributing food and blankets.Amidst the chaos, Mostafa, a 32-year-old resident, has also chronicled his life during ongoing bombardments. His videos, echoing with the sounds of shelling, depict the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding as basic resources dwindle. His home was struck, and he encountered looters in the aftermath, a reality he claims is a direct result of the rival forces engaged in the conflict.Manahel, another volunteer, recounts her experiences after relocating to avoid the immediate dangers of front-line conflict. Her father's tragic death highlights the horrific toll the war has taken on families, as he stayed behind to protect community belongings and ultimately lost his life to artillery fire.The siege has seen the number of casualties soar—nearly 2,000 fatalities, according to the UN—with the threat of famine looming ever closer. People in el-Fasher struggle to access food, and many resort to drinking from contaminated water sources. The humanitarian situation appears dire, with UN reports indicating that surrounding displaced populations increasingly rely upon community kitchens for survival.As hunger deepens and living conditions worsen, residents express fears not only of death from violence or starvation but also of potential assaults once the city falls to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The warnings of previous genocides targeting non-Arab communities in other cities haunt their thoughts.International narratives clash starkly with accounts from those within the region. The RSF's portrayal of the situation often dismisses civilian voices, while the lived experiences of Hafiza, Mostafa, and Manahel reveal a grim reality. In a bid for peace, officials often downplay humanitarian crises, while the anguish of the victims continues to unfold beyond their control.In November 2024, the three individuals made the painful decision to leave el-Fasher, fleeing to nearby towns with uncertain futures. As the conflict persists unabated, all remain haunted by the looming questions of whether they will ever return home and what lies ahead in their lives. The siege of el-Fasher embodies both the dire realities of war and the resilience of those who endure in the face of insurmountable odds.
