Maysa Al-Qadi

Sudan — According to the United Nations and several human rights organizations, violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces included mass killings, execution of patients, and rape. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the city under dire health and environmental conditions. These painful events have sparked widespread anger and outrage among civilians.

Sudanese women spoke to our agency about their feelings when they heard about the massacres and abuses committed against the people of Al-Fasher and the displaced, and about the efforts being made to support and stand with the displaced.

 

“I felt devastated”

Halima Mohammed, who had previously experienced displacement due to conflict, said:
“I felt devastated when I heard that the Rapid Support Forces had taken control of the city. I thought everything was over.”

But she did not give up. Instead, she decided to act and contribute to helping displaced men and women by sharing their needs online. She became active in publishing requirements, collecting donations through social media, and delivering them to various initiatives supporting the displaced of Al-Fasher.

She added:
“I know very well what it means to lose everything and leave your home and family, so I want to help them in this ordeal. I see myself in every displaced person. I feel their suffering because I am displaced just like them. Before the conflict in Khartoum, we never understood what it meant to live in a war zone or to be displaced. But after the events of April 15, when we were forced to leave our homes and flee, we understood the meaning of safety. We were stable and safe, and suddenly we were scattered, separated from our families, each going in a different direction. We truly feel their suffering.”

 

“A terrifying feeling”

Regina Adam spoke about the moment she heard the news of Al-Fasher’s fall, describing the feeling as terrifying:
“It was terrifying. I couldn’t believe what I heard. It was a mix of emotions—fear, sadness, and a deep sense of insecurity. It was a frightening experience, one I hope never happens again.”

She added:
“The initiatives are good and must continue. In fact, all Sudanese people should take part. We must stand together, organize convoys, support initiatives, and help the displaced throughout their ordeal so they don’t feel abandoned or homeless. We must be united and provide everything they need, showing them that we are one family and one Sudan.”

She believes that what happened in Al-Fasher unified Sudanese people and brought them together to support their brothers and sisters:
“To the people of Al-Fasher, we are all Al-Fasher. We have felt what you are feeling. Our hearts are one. I have seen the posts on social media—everyone united in solidarity. I affirm our unity and our stand with the people of Al-Fasher. We are all with you; you are our family.”

 

Her memories in Al-Fasher

Tamani Ibrahim, an employee in the private sector, recalled her memories of the city:
“Al-Fasher represents unity to me. It is a city known for education and considered the heartbeat of Sudan. When you approach it by plane, you see a scene of beauty—green hills and rainwater pools in the autumn season. When you enter the city, its diverse community embraces you. You see all the tribes of Sudan gathered in one place. When I visited, people from different tribes hosted me with warmth. When I remember Al-Fasher, I remember unity and harmony—a true example of Sudanese unity.”

Tamani spoke with pain about the violations committed against the people of Al-Fasher:
“I was deeply hurt by what happened. I know well that these people do not easily break or succumb to humiliation. They are generous, kind, and a symbol of national unity and social harmony. They embody the authentic Sudanese identity—steadfast tradition, generosity, and hospitality. I hope this ordeal ends soon. I was especially affected because Al-Fasher holds beautiful memories for me. I cannot bear to see such harm in a place that reflects so much beauty— a city of knowledge and culture.”

She views the popular solidarity in Sudan as a historic moment that reveals the strength of cooperation and unity among Sudanese people, proving that they are truly one nation and a support system for one another in difficult times.

Tamani hopes the suffering of the displaced of Al-Fasher will soon end:
“I hope this ordeal ends soon. We are all affected by what happened in Al-Fasher, and we hope the city returns to its people.”

Al-Fasher is no longer just a city—it has become a symbol of the resilience of the Sudanese people, and proof that no matter how severe the hardships, they cannot break the deeply rooted spirit of solidarity and generosity in this nation