“They are going to kill us”: The Impact of War on Children in Sudan

At our Trauma Rescue Aid (TRAID) center, children like 9-year-old Yazeed from Al Wadi, Al Fasher, give us a glimpse into the fear and trauma caused by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Yazeed’s Story

During a therapy activity, Yazeed shared a drawing that tells his experience.

“We were at home with my mom, my little brother Adam, my sister Hawa, and my grandmother. We heard many gunshots. Mom shouted, ‘Go under the bed!’ Many soldiers came with cars. We saw them through the window. Mom was crying and told us to be quiet. She said my children, ‘They are going to kill us.’ I saw a small plane flying in the sky. I was very scared. I didn’t know what was happening. Later that day, mom said we are going to Twila. We came out and there were many people walking on the road. Soldiers were beating them.”

This story shows how the war is disrupting children’s lives, exposing them to violence, fear, and forced displacement. Yazeed’s experience is not unique, thousands of children in Sudan face similar horrors every day.

The Impact on Children

Children in conflict zones are not only at risk of physical harm but also experience:

Severe emotional and psychological trauma

Disruption of education and normal routines

Fear for personal and family safety

Exposure to violence and unsafe living conditions

TRAID’s Response

At TRAID, we provide children like Yazeed with psychosocial support, trauma therapy, counseling, and art-based activities. These programs help children:

Express their feelings safely

Begin to process traumatic experiences

Rebuild a sense of normalcy in their lives

Call to Action

We must act. Children have the right to safety, protection, and the chance to live free from violence. TRAID calls on the international community, local authorities, and all stakeholders to urgently:

Protect children in conflict zones

Provide safe spaces for psychosocial support and education

Advocate for children’s rights and wellbeing

Yazeed’s story reminds us that behind every statistic are real children whose futures are at stake. Supporting children today is an investment in a safer, more peaceful Sudan tomorrow.