Sudanese Families Flee North Kordofan Fighting, Face Ordeal in Omdurman

Thousands of Sudanese families have embarked on a harrowing journey, fleeing escalating conflict in North Kordofan state and seeking refuge in Omdurman, Sudan's second-largest city.

The exodus involves families who have lost homes, possessions, and even loved ones amidst the resurgence of military operations. They navigate treacherous routes through mountains and valleys, traveling by foot, animal-drawn carts, or trucks. Many arrive in Omdurman exhausted and hungry, carrying only what remains of their belongings and memories.

Upon reaching Omdurman, the ordeal continues. Displaced families confront severe shortages of food and drinking water. Humanitarian assistance is scarce, and illnesses like diarrhea, fever, and infections are spreading among children, transforming their escape from war into an open-ended struggle for survival.

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We arrived in Omdurman in a state of extreme exhaustion. During the first few days, we received some food supplies, including oil, sugar and flour, but those supplies later stopped.

Halima Dhow al-Bait described her family's flight from their home at gunpoint, a journey that took several days. "We arrived in Omdurman in a state of extreme exhaustion," she told Asharq Al-Awsat. "During the first few days, we received some food supplies... but those supplies later stopped."

Another displaced woman shared the profound hardship: "During the journey, three of my children fell ill because of hunger, thirst and the hardships of the road." She added, "We left our homes, our property and everything we owned. We left with nothing but the clothes we were wearing." The situation highlights the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where conflict since April 2023 has displaced approximately 13 million people.

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During the journey, three of my children fell ill because of hunger, thirst and the hardships of the road. We left our homes, our property and everything we owned. We left with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. Our situation is now extremely difficult, and we are receiving no humanitarian assistance.