A group of Sudanese refugees who recently escaped the war-torn Tuti Island have recounted harrowing tales of hunger, disease, and despair.
The island, located in the middle of the Nile River, has become a symbol of the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023.
According to a recent report, over 61,000 people have tragically lost their lives in Khartoum state during the first 14 months of the war.
This figure is significantly higher than previously estimated.
Refugees who have managed to flee the island describe a dire humanitarian situation.
They recount facing severe food shortages, rampant disease, and constant fear for their lives.
One refugee, Muhammad Awad, shared his family’s ordeal, stating, “There is no good food, and there’s a lot of disease, there is no sleep, no safety.”
Another refugee, Sarah Siraj, revealed that the death toll on the island was alarming, with six or seven people dying daily.
She also highlighted the challenges of accessing medical care, particularly for diseases like dengue fever.
The conflict has also led to the closure of charity kitchens in Tuti and other parts of Khartoum due to a lack of funding and supplies.
This has further exacerbated the food crisis and left many vulnerable populations without adequate nutrition.
Nutrition experts working with the displaced refugees have described the heartbreaking conditions they encounter.
Rabeea Abdel Gader, a nutrition guide, shared that many mothers struggle to provide answers about their children’s diets due to the overwhelming circumstances.