Sudan’s Tawila refugee camp has become a crucial refuge for hundreds of children separated from their families while escaping escalating violence in West Darfur.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reports that more than 400 unaccompanied minors have arrived at the camp in the past month alone.
Mathilde Vu, NRC advocacy manager, described the situation as deeply distressing.
“We see children caring for other children because their parents have disappeared or been detained.
“This is not safety,” she said, noting that the atmosphere remains tense and traumatizing. “Whatever calm exists is extremely fragile.”
The influx follows a brutal Rapid Support Forces (RSF) assault on El-Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last major stronghold in Darfur, where hundreds were killed.
The conflict between the RSF and the military, ongoing since 2023, continues to ravage communities and push civilians toward overcrowded camps like Tawila—facilities aid groups say are providing “critical, life-saving work.”
Children, many of whom have endured starvation, violence, and long journeys, are suffering severe psychological trauma.
Vu stressed the need for emergency education support to help them rebuild stability.
Some minors arrived escorted by relatives, neighbors or even strangers who refused to leave them behind amid the chaos.
Child protection worker Nidaa said many children initially displayed withdrawn or aggressive behavior but are slowly recovering with counseling and support.
Earlier this month, the RSF agreed to a US-brokered humanitarian truce, but Sudan’s military rejected it, insisting the RSF must withdraw from civilian areas and disarm before any ceasefire can begin.
