Hundreds of children escaping the assault on El Fasher have arrived alone in Tawila, a town already overwhelmed by displacement. Many walked for days without food, fled armed groups in the dark, and became separated from their families in the chaos. Their isolation, combined with collapsing protection systems, is driving urgent concerns about trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced conscription.

Children fleeing alone into overcrowded camps

At least 400 unaccompanied children have reached the town of Tawila in western Sudan after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city of El Fasher. Aid groups say the true number is far higher. Many children walked for days through the desert. They arrived terrified, dehydrated, and deeply traumatized. Some were separated from their parents during chaotic escapes. Others’ parents are believed to have been detained, gone missing, or killed.

El Fasher fell on October 26 after an 18-month siege that starved residents of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The takeover prompted more than 100,000 people to flee, with many crossing into Chad. Those who remain in Sudan often seek safety in Tawila, about 60 kilometers from El Fasher. Humanitarian workers say many children show signs of acute trauma. Some cannot speak when they arrive. Many report hiding for hours, traveling only at night, and witnessing violence.

Conditions in Tawila are deteriorating fast. Displacement camps are overwhelmed. According to Sudanese physicians’ groups, more than 650,000 displaced people are now in the area. Most live in informal sites without water systems or latrines. Less than 10 percent have reliable access to sanitation.

Tell me more