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The cholera outbreak in the besieged Sudanese town of al-Hilaliya is spiraling into a devastating humanitarian crisis, with over 400 fatalities feared, as cholera is suspected in the deaths of hundreds of residents. The disease is only adding to the suffering in a region already battered by violence and severe infrastructure collapse.
Al-Hilaliya, located in Sudan’s El Gezira state, has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since October 29, following the defection of a senior commander to the Sudanese army. The RSF’s brutal campaign against the town, part of a larger offensive in the east of the country, has resulted in the destruction of homes, widespread violence, and widespread displacement.
Local activists report that over 300 people have already died from cholera and other causes, while residents in the diaspora, who are in contact with survivors, believe the death toll has surpassed 400 and continues to rise. Medical sources confirmed that dozens of individuals who managed to flee the town have tested positive for cholera, and the outbreak appears to explain the alarming increase in fatalities. As of now, the death toll remains difficult to fully ascertain due to the collapse of local communication systems and the chaos surrounding the siege.
The cholera epidemic is exacerbating the already dire situation in al-Hilaliya. Survivors of the RSF raid have sought refuge in mosque courtyards, but the town’s lack of clean water has made the situation even more dire. Some residents, desperate for water, turned to an old well, which health experts suspect may have been contaminated with sewage, significantly increasing the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The outbreak’s severity is compounded by the difficulty many residents face in fleeing the area. The RSF soldiers, who have reportedly looted homes and stolen valuables, have also imposed exorbitant fees on those seeking to escape, making it nearly impossible for many civilians to find safety. Efforts to provide aid or evacuate those in need have been hindered by both the military blockade and the escalating health crisis.
Rumors of intentional poisoning have circulated among the survivors, adding to the fear and confusion. However, medical teams and local authorities are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and provide whatever aid is possible given the constraints of the ongoing conflict.
The situation in al-Hilaliya is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Sudan, where humanitarian aid is severely restricted, and civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. The cholera outbreak underscores the critical need for international intervention and support to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese civilians trapped in these besieged areas.
