Just six months ago, the area was an empty plain. Today, it has become a huge camp for displaced people. Nearly 570,000 people from North Darfur have fled to Tawila, in western Sudan, forced to flee the conflict.
This is the case of Wisal Ismail, 25, who was forced to leave her home and who now lives in a wooden hut.
“We sleep here with my sister. We used to have lots of clothes, a TV, many things… But we left everything behind in El Fasher.”
Without taking anything, her family fled the capital of North Darfur on foot.
“We left our home because of the weapons and the bombs. We saw lots of terrible things, people who rape and kill.”
Today, Wisal has become a nutrition assistant with ALIMA.
The needs are immense: according to UNICEF, over 40,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were identified in North Darfur between January and May 2025.
“For me, this work means a lot, because it’s my community. I want to help them.”
A cholera epidemic in extreme conditions
In Tawila, Wisal also works in ALIMA’s cholera treatment unit. The epidemic surged in mid-July, as the rainy season further deteriorated sanitary conditions in the camps.
“There is such promiscuity. People are packed in the same area. They have no homes, no water, no toilets. There are 20 to 30 tents for only two or three latrines.”
Dr. Ahmed Dafallah, ALIMA Doctor in Tawila
Over 1,200 patients have already been treated here, including Ayat, 4. Now fully recovered, she returned to the tent that her mother hopes to leave soon.
“I pray for peace and for us to go home.”
Eslam Esmail Yose, displaced person in Tawila
Since 2023, ALIMA has been supporting health facilities across North Darfur in partnership with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, establishing cholera treatment units, nutritional programs, and primary healthcare services for displaced populations.
👉 Watch the Arte report (in french)
