Hundreds of children separated from their families while escaping violence in West Darfur, Sudan

CAIRO In the past month, a large number of children have reached refugee camps in Sudan without any family members, as waves of people escape the violence in the city of el-Fasher. Officials report that more unaccompanied minors continue to arrive daily.

The United Nations stated that over 100,000 residents fled el-Fasher in western Darfur starting in late October, after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) regained control from the Sudanese army. Between October 26 and November 22, UNICEF documented 354 children arriving at a camp in Tawila, roughly 70 kilometers west of el-Fasher, without parents or guardians. Authorities said many children lost parents due to disappearance, detention, or death during their journey.

UNICEF, the U.N.s child protection agency, confirmed that 84 children were reunited with family members over the past month, mostly in Tawila, where international organizations are assisting those affected by the recent fighting. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reported that at least 400 children have reached Tawila unaccompanied. Many were aided by extended relatives, neighbors, or strangers who intervened to prevent them from being left alone.

Numerous children arrive showing extreme signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Some display psychological trauma, such as becoming mute, restless, or withdrawn, experiencing nightmares, crying frequently, or engaging in fights, said Mathilde Vu, NRC advocacy manager.

The recent mass displacement began after the RSF took el-Fasher, previously the Sudanese armys last stronghold, leaving hundreds dead. The RSF-military conflict started in 2023 when tensions arose between the two former allies tasked with overseeing Sudans democratic transition following the 2019 uprising. The World Health Organization estimates at least 40,000 deaths and 12 million displaced, though aid organizations warn the true toll may be far higher.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEFs representative in Sudan, described the children arriving in camps as bewildered, malnourished, and dehydrated, highlighting the traumatic experiences they have witnessed, including the disappearance or killing of family members.

Despite receiving psychological support, some children still sleep on the ground and have access to only a single meal per day. People are hungry, thirsty, in need of education, care, and psychosocial support, which must be provided immediately, not after peace returns, Vu emphasized.

The RSF largely consists of fighters from the Arab Janjaweed militia, accused of conducting a government-backed genocidal campaign in Darfur in the 2000s that claimed roughly 300,000 lives. Earlier this month, the RSF accepted a humanitarian truce proposed by a U.S.-led mediation group, though Sudans military insists the RSF withdraw from civilian areas and disarm.

Analysis: The Impact of Sudan's Conflict on Unaccompanied Children

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with a rising number of unaccompanied minors seeking refuge in overcrowded camps. These children, many of whom have witnessed unimaginable trauma, face dire circumstances upon arrival. As of November, UNICEF and other organizations have documented hundreds of children who have arrived at camps in Tawila and surrounding areas without any family members. The chaos following the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seizure of el-Fasher has left these children vulnerable and exposed to further suffering.

While efforts to reunite children with their families have been underway, only a small fraction—84 out of hundreds—have been successfully reunited. The rest are left to cope with severe malnutrition, dehydration, and psychological trauma. Reports indicate that some of these children exhibit signs of severe emotional distress, including withdrawal, nightmares, and violent behavior. The psychological scars of such experiences will take years to heal, especially given the limited resources available in the refugee camps.

The broader context reveals a war that has been brewing for years. The RSF's takeover of el-Fasher, a significant stronghold of Sudan's military, has escalated violence in Darfur and disrupted the already fragile infrastructure. The death toll continues to rise, with estimates of 40,000 deaths and millions displaced. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing political instability and the absence of a clear path to peace. Despite recent truce talks, the humanitarian needs of Sudan’s population remain urgent and must be addressed immediately, rather than waiting for a resolution to the conflict.

The international community, including organizations like UNICEF and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), is working to provide support, but the scale of the crisis demands more. Resources are stretched thin, and the needs are vast—children in these camps are not only physically vulnerable but also in desperate need of psychological support and care. It is crucial that the global community intensifies efforts to ensure that these children are not forgotten and that aid reaches them without delay.

Sources:

• Hundreds of children separated from families while fleeing violence in Sudan's west Darfur