In the midst of Sudan’s brutal civil war, a 19-year-old woman, Alawia Babiker Ahmed, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and compassion Sudan civil war. Fleeing from relentless air strikes and militia attacks, Alawia suffered a devastating miscarriage—only to later rescue a baby orphaned by the violence.
Tragedy Amidst War: Miscarriage on the Run
As fighting intensified in Darfur, particularly in the city of el-Fasher, Alawia and her family began a perilous 70km (45-mile) journey on foot to the town of Tawila. She told the BBC, “I was bleeding on the way,” describing the trauma of losing her unborn child. Despite her pain, Alawia felt compelled to keep moving, witnessing the suffering of others who were “worse off.”
Orphaned Baby Rescued
During their escape, the family stumbled upon the body of a woman and a crying baby beside her. Alawia recounted, “We covered the mother and kept going. I took the child with me.” Her act of courage and humanity occurred as thousands of others attempted similar escapes from RSF-controlled regions.
Conflict in Sudan: Background
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a violent civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Over 12 million people have been displaced, with Darfur being one of the hardest-hit regions. While the RSF controls much of Darfur, el-Fasher remains under army control, making it a focal point of deadly clashes.
Surviving the Journey: Attacks, Hunger, and Thirst
Alawia’s brother, Marwan Mohamed Adam, 21, told the BBC that he was assaulted by RSF-allied gangs along the way. He was beaten and robbed, barely escaping with his life after lying about his origin to avoid execution. “You feel like you’re already dead,” he said.
Other refugees, like Khadija Ismail Ali, reported horrific scenes: “Bodies were scattered all over the streets.” Her family lost 11 members to shelling, and three children died of thirst during their escape.
Facing Starvation and Violence
As they fled, Alawia and her family were robbed of food, money, and even clothing. RSF gunmen refused to give them water, even when Alawia pleaded on behalf of the rescued infant. Beaten and dehydrated, the family eventually reached Tawila, where Alawia collapsed and was hospitalized.
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Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur
Medical charity Alima reported that arriving refugees show alarming levels of severe malnutrition, especially among children. Armed militias have reportedly seized farmland and displaced entire villages, worsening hunger and poverty in the region.
Finding Hope in Tawila
After reaching Tawila, Alawia found and reunited the rescued child with surviving relatives. She and her family have now taken shelter with a host family in the town. “Life is OK, thank God, but we worry about the future,” she said.
Her brother Marwan hopes to seek asylum and resume his education abroad—a path taken by many Sudanese fleeing unending violence.
A Nation in Crisis
Sudan’s civil war shows no signs of slowing down. As millions flee famine, violence, and displacement, stories like Alawia’s highlight the profound human cost of the conflict. In the face of unimaginable loss, she still chose to save another life—an act that speaks louder than any weapon in this war-torn land.
