For Ethiopian refugees like Salim* and Qamar*, who had already experienced escaping violence in their homeland, their journey from Khartoum to east Sudan was fraught with risks. They recounted the strenuous details of their journey with their four children after arriving at their second resettlement in camp in East Sudan, where MSF is providing medical and emergency support.

Qamar: "Our entry point to Sudan in November 2020 was the refugee reception centre in Hamadayet, situated on the Sudanese-Ethiopian border. From there, we were transferred to Um Rakuba refugee camp. Although we tried to adapt to life in the camp, our circumstances became worse when our tent burned down, destroying all our food and our children's clothes. Consequently, we made the decision to leave the camp and travel to Khartoum. I took my children and accompanied my husband to begin his heart disease treatment journey." said Qamar.

Salim: "On the morning of April 15, the sound of gunfire and clashes erupted. I was outside our house and hurriedly returned home. The intensity of the fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) was overwhelming. The battle took place on the street directly opposite our house, with bombs raining down on the surrounding homes. The air was filled with the deafening noise of warplanes and explosions. I sought refuge while my children hid under the bed. It was disheartening to think that I had fled my own country due to war, only to face the possibility of death in the country I sought refuge in,”

“Fifteen days later, our food supplies were depleted, and we ran out of money. Almost all our neighbours left Khartoum. One of our neighbours, upon learning of our dire situation, helped us reach the bus station and even covered the cost of our tickets to Wad Madani. As we departed, I witnessed smoke rising and buildings engulfed in flames. That horrifying scene will forever haunt me. Along the road, we encountered armed men at a checkpoint who questioned whether we were armed. I reassured them that we were refugees and simply wished to live peacefully with our children. They let us pass, but we trembled with fear,

“As soon as I arrived at Um Rakuba camp, I took my children to the Doctors Without Borders hospital for treatment of skin diseases and diarrhoea they contracted during our escape from Khartoum. I don't have shelter, food, or anything here. I rely on the assistance of my relatives among the refugees in the camp. We appeal to other organizations to help us. We have nothing. We came to Sudan not for work or money. We came to save our lives and protect our children." said Salim.

Mondi: The situation through the eyes of children like 11-year-old Mondi*provides a distinct perspective on the impact of the conflict: "I was getting ready to go to school when I saw my mother terrified, asking us to hide under the bed. I cried along with my siblings because the sound of bombs was very frightening. I don't like war because it made me very hungry. My father couldn't buy food for us. I don't want to go back there; they made my siblings cry."

Names changed to protect anonymity.