Sudan's years of war - BBC smuggles in phones to reveal hunger and fear

In Sudan, a devastating civil war has been ongoing, leading to immense suffering and fear among its citizens. A young woman named Hafiza, who is just 21 years old, has bravely shared her story about the tragic loss of her mother during the conflict in a city called el-Fasher. The war began two years ago, and since then, Hafiza's life has been turned upside down. She recorded her experiences on one of the phones that the BBC managed to smuggle into the city, which has been largely cut off from the outside world due to constant attacks. Hafiza's mother was killed when a shell struck the market where she was working, leaving Hafiza responsible for her five-year-old brother and two teenage sisters. She expressed her grief, saying, 'Grief is very difficult, I still can't bring myself to visit her workplace. ' In her videos, Hafiza shares her daily struggles, including her efforts to help displaced people by distributing blankets and food. She often feels lonely and broken, remembering the happy moments she shared with her family. Another individual, Mostafa, also received a phone from the BBC and has been documenting the harsh realities of life in el-Fasher. He described the relentless shelling that the city endures, stating, 'We endure relentless artillery shelling, both day and night, by the RSF. ' Mostafa's home was damaged by shells, and he witnessed looters ransacking his neighborhood. Despite the danger, he volunteers at a shelter for displaced people, capturing the chaos around him on video. He remarked, 'There is no safe place in el-Fasher,' highlighting the dire situation faced by residents. Mostafa also mentioned the lack of clean water, forcing people to drink from contaminated sources. Manahel, a 26-year-old woman, is another brave individual who received a phone from the BBC. She has been working tirelessly to prepare meals for those living in shelters, often the only food available to them. Manahel had just graduated from university when the war began, and she moved with her family to a safer area. However, her father chose to stay behind to protect their home and tragically lost his life during the conflict. She shared her feelings of loss, saying, 'You lose your home, everything you own and find yourself in a new place with nothing. ' The war has created a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning of potential famine in el-Fasher. Many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, and the situation is dire. The ongoing conflict has instilled fear in the hearts of the residents of el-Fasher. People are afraid to go outside, especially at night when darkness falls and danger lurks. The lack of electricity adds to their fears, as those with solar power or batteries are hesitant to turn on lights, fearing they might be detected by drones. Both Hafiza and Manahel share a deep concern about what might happen if the RSF gains control of the city. Hafiza expressed her fear, saying, 'As a girl, I might get raped,' reflecting the grim reality faced by many women in conflict zones. The BBC has been working to bring these stories to light, providing a glimpse into the lives of those affected by the war in Sudan. The civil war in Sudan has resulted in countless tragedies, with many lives lost and families torn apart. The stories of Hafiza, Mostafa, and Manahel serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. They continue to help others while grappling with their own grief and fear. It is crucial for the world to understand the impact of this conflict on innocent lives and to support efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.