Brave Escape: A Boy's Journey from Chaos in Sudan

Sat Nov 01 2025 13:26:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Twelve-year-old Abdiwahab bravely recounts his harrowing escape from the war-torn city of el-Fasher amidst violence and chaos. His story highlights the plight of many civilians caught in a devastating conflict.

In a heart-wrenching account, 12-year-old Abdiwahab shares his traumatic experiences as he fled from el-Fasher, Sudan. As the city fell to the paramilitary group RSF, Abdiwahab faced beatings and accusations of spying, ultimately making a treacherous journey alone after being separated from his family. His story reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where countless civilians, including unaccompanied minors, continue to suffer from violence and a lack of resources.

Twelve-year-old Abdiwahab - not his real name - sobs as he recounts what happened to him as he escaped from the western Sudanese city of el-Fasher.

The young boy left el-Fasher on Sunday as it fell to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group that has been fighting a two-and-a-half-year civil war against the army.

In a video received by the BBC, his face reflects deep sorrow and fatigue, his voice low as he describes being assaulted 'many times' by RSF fighters.

Fearing reprisal attacks from RSF fighters, Abdiwahab joined a wave of people - including some of his family - trying to get out.

The UN estimates that 60,000 have managed to get out of el-Fasher, with many narrating horrendous stories of atrocities, including rape.

After three days of walking, Abdiwahab reached the relative safety of Tawila - an 80km (50-mile) journey - but he arrived on his own.

''I left the city with my father and siblings but because of the chaos we were separated, I came to Tawila alone," he says on the video. He was assaulted on the way and accused of espionage.

I walked along the road, and on the road, [the RSF] caught me, many times. They beat me and hit me, saying, 'this little boy is a spy.'

This chimes with other accounts of how men and boys are especially at risk as they face arbitrary arrest, violence, and summary execution.

Abdiwahab says that RSF fighters had already taken his mother and one of his sisters about a month ago, and he does not know if they are still alive.

Volunteer aid worker Ali, who filmed Abdiwahab's account, is stationed at the entrance to Tawila where a temporary camp has been established.

Ali explained how traumatized the boy was, fearing that any light appearing at night was an RSF vehicle coming to get him.

Each new arrival to the camp carries a story of survival and despair. New reports reveal many unaccompanied minors reaching the camp daily, including children who lost their parents on the road.

The situation is increasingly dire, with insufficient aid resources as families continue to arrive in need.

The UN's refugee agency struggles to find enough shelter and food for the civilians, and there are grave concerns for those still trapped in el-Fasher amidst ongoing violence and chaos.