04-05-2026 | di COOPI

Sudan. A mother’s journey through the water crisis in Mellit

North Darfur has long been weathered by protracted humanitarian crises, leaving many communities dependent on external assistance. The outbreak of conflict in April 2023 significantly deteriorated the situation, displacing millions and destroying critical public infrastructure, including water sources. In the wake of this destruction, families in internally displaced people (IDP) gathering points across the region face a daily struggle for survival. Among those enduring these harsh conditions is Mrs. Rashida Eltigani Suliman, a resilient woman-headed household living in the Almarabie School IDP Gathering Site in Mellit.

A daily struggle for survival

For Rashida, the responsibility of care is immense; she is a mother of seven and the sole provider for three of her sister’s orphaned children. Before humanitarian intervention reached her site, every day was defined by hardship. To secure even a small amount of water, she was forced to walk for hours under the sun toward unsafe sources. The physical toll was exhausting, but the emotional weight was heavier.

Every day was difficult before the trucks started providing water. I was always concerned about my kids' health because they were frequently sick.

she explains.

The scarcity was so dire that she often faced the "heart-wrenching" choice between using her limited water for cooking or for basic hygiene.

Providing vital services through water trucking

Responding to this urgent need, COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale ETS, with funding from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, launched the project “Integrated health, nutrition, protection, WASH and ESNFI services for IDPs in localities at risk of famine, Mellit, North Darfur", a vital water supply initiative using water tankers, designed to provide rapid relief to displaced families.

When the water trucking began, the impact was immediate and transformative. By delivering clean water directly to the gathering site, the project addressed the most immediate threats to survival for Rashida’s family.

Currently, clean water is supplied directly to our location. My children can drink without the fear of becoming sick, and I have extra time to spend with them and prepare meals. 

she says.

Impact and restored hope

The provision of clean water has done more than just improve health; it has restored a sense of agency and security. For Rashida, the relief is both physical and psychological.

The weight on my shoulders has been alleviated. I feel my dignity has been restored as I no longer have to ask neighbors or risk my health for water. 

she shares.

By maintaining water access and sanitation standards, the collective efforts of COOPI and the SHF continue to provide thousands of displaced persons with the strength to live securely. As Rashida concludes:

This straightforward act of delivering water to us has provided my family with hope and the strength to live healthy and securely.

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COOPI has been working in Sudan since 2004, providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. Today, it maintains an operational office in Khartoum and has established a strong presence in North Darfur, with bases in Mellit, Tawila and El Fasher. In a constantly evolving context, the organisation adapts its interventions to respond to emerging needs, working in the sectors of food security and livelihoods, water and sanitation, shelter and non-food items, and strengthening protection activities for the most vulnerable sections of the population.