The conflict in Khartoum, Sudan, has resulted in thousands of deaths and massive displacements. Volunteers are recovering bodies from sewers while civilians face starvation amid the ongoing violence. The humanitarian crisis intensifies as resources dwindle and infrastructure crumbles, highlighting the need for urgent assistance.
In Khartoum, Sudan, the ongoing conflict has led to tragic scenes, including volunteers from the Red Crescent recovering bodies from a sewage pit. The head of forensic medicine at Sudan’s health ministry, Hisham Zein al-Abdeen, reported that these victims were either shot or beaten to death before being discarded underground. As the conflict continues, Khartoum has transformed from a vibrant city into a war-torn landscape, with over 3.5 million residents fleeing the violence.
Since 2023, the fighting has escalated between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The United Nations has documented that tens of thousands have died, and more than 12 million people have been uprooted, many now living in makeshift camps. The RSF initially controlled Khartoum streets, but the army has begun to regain territory.
The army has captured significant areas, including Bahri and East Nile, inching closer to the presidential palace which is currently held by RSF forces. Despite military setbacks, Daglo remains resolute, declaring, “We will not leave the Republican Palace,” and threatening to advance toward Port Sudan.
An AFP team traveling through war-torn areas noted the remains of abandoned neighborhoods in Bahri, where crumbling infrastructure and bullet-ridden buildings are commonplace. Hospitals and schools are non-functional, and reports indicate that the army has found multiple mass graves in the city, underscoring the dire situation for remaining civilians, who are traumatized by the turmoil.
Life post-conflict remains perilous, characterized by a lack of electricity, clean water, and food. Women in Bahri have gathered in community kitchens to prepare meals despite severe shortages. They rely on open flames to cook basic porridge and lentils without gas. Humanitarian efforts are increasingly strained, as markets have collapsed, and RSF fighters have robbed aid workers.
The conflict, rooted in a power struggle, has precipitated a humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement and hunger. The UN has declared famine conditions are affecting at least 100,000 individuals in Khartoum, contributing to one of the largest crises in the world today.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has devastating consequences, transforming Khartoum into a war zone plagued by violence, death, and starvation. With millions displaced and significant infrastructure destroyed, the humanitarian situation grows increasingly dire. Community kitchens remain vital for survival despite challenges from violence and resource shortages, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The conflict must be addressed to prevent further loss of life and ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
