Full Breakdown
The Human Toll of Sudan's Civil War: A Journalist's Journey
4/15/2026, 11:48:48 AM
The Onset of Conflict and Its Consequences
The civil war in Sudan, which began on April 15, 2023, has resulted from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. This conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, particularly in the western region of Darfur, where the RSF has established a stronghold. As the fighting escalated, millions of Sudanese citizens have been displaced, with many trapped in cities like el-Fasher, which experienced a brutal takeover by the RSF in October 2023.
Mohamed Suleiman's Experience
Mohamed Suleiman, a journalist and academic, recounts his harrowing experience during the conflict. After being cut off from communication for nearly three years, he finally reached Port Sudan on January 13, 2026. Upon inserting a SIM card into his phone, he was overwhelmed by messages detailing the loss of friends and colleagues. Suleiman described the silence during the conflict as "suffocating," as he witnessed systematic killings and the dire conditions imposed by the RSF's siege.
The Humanitarian Crisis
Suleiman's account highlights the extreme conditions faced by civilians. As the RSF tightened its grip on el-Fasher, famine conditions were declared, leading to scenes of desperation. He described witnessing dead children in the streets and families unable to escape due to the overwhelming violence. "There is no food, no water, no first aid to save them," he lamented, emphasizing the inhumane conditions that many endured. The RSF has acknowledged "individual violations" during their takeover but claims that the scale of atrocities has been exaggerated.
Communication Blackouts and Risks for Journalists
The conflict has severely disrupted communication, with a blackout occurring as the RSF laid siege to el-Fasher. Journalists like Suleiman faced significant risks when attempting to report the truth. The RSF accused them of espionage, while the army viewed them as potential targets for shelling. Suleiman himself survived a close call when a shell landed near him, highlighting the dangers faced by those trying to document the war.
The Struggle for Identity and Recognition
After reaching Port Sudan, Suleiman faced another challenge: retrieving his identification documents, which he lost during the conflict. He spent 22 days navigating bureaucratic hurdles, calling for the government to assist those emerging from war zones without identification. Despite his return to safety, Suleiman expressed a deep sense of loss and disillusionment, stating, "There is no international law in the world."
The Broader Implications
The ongoing conflict has left Sudan fragmented, with humanitarian needs vastly unmet. The United Nations has reported that only 16.2% of the $2.87 billion needed for 2026 has been funded, and diplomatic efforts led by the United States have failed to yield a ceasefire. Suleiman's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the war and the urgent need for international attention and action.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I was flustered because people were talking on their phones... Throughout the past three years, my phone was silent." — Mohamed Suleiman, Journalist
- "We saw dead children in the streets... There is no food, no water, no first aid to save them." — Mohamed Suleiman, Journalist
- "There is no international law in the world... If there were human rights international organisations, no day would pass in el-Fasher with people dying." — Mohamed Suleiman, Journalist
Conclusion
As the conflict in Sudan continues, the stories of individuals like Mohamed Suleiman highlight the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the violence that has devastated the nation.
