Conflict in Khartoum, Sudan has led to large-scale fatalities and displacement, with bodies being retrieved from a sewage pit. Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army continue violent clashes, affecting millions of lives. Shortages of basic necessities worsen conditions for those remaining, as famine affects thousands amid destruction in the city.
In Khartoum, Sudan, tragic scenes unfold as Red Crescent volunteers retrieve bodies from a sewage pit in a neighborhood devastated by conflict. Hisham Zein al-Abdeen, head of forensic medicine at the Sudanese health ministry, reports victims were likely shot or beaten prior to being discarded. This grim recovery of bodies highlights the toll of nearly two years of violent clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Since the onset of the conflict, Khartoum has transformed from a vibrant city to a war zone, with over 3.5 million residents fleeing, as stated by the United Nations. Those remaining endure life amidst the ruins, contending with abandoned infrastructures and the constant threat of violence, with mass graves reportedly hidden throughout the capital.
The war began in April 2023, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and dislocated over 12 million people. While the army has made territorial gains, capturing key locations in Khartoum, Daglo maintains a defiant stance, asserting that his troops will not abandon the capital.
An AFP team, escorted by military personnel, observed the war-torn landscapes of Bahri and the remnants of Al-Haj Yousif, where abandoned shops and residences signify the abrupt end of daily life. In this grim setting, civilians express the pervasive fear and devastation surrounding them, with many recounting harrowing personal experiences during the conflict.
Life for those who have remained is characterized by severe shortages of essential resources such as electricity, clean water, and food. Community initiatives, such as communal kitchens in Bahri, strive to provide sustenance during Ramadan as residents grapple with limited supplies. Volunteers have faced numerous challenges, including robbery by RSF forces and barriers in acquiring provisions, yet they still endeavor to support the needy.
Amidst the continuing conflict, Sudan finds itself facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with famine declared in various displacement camps. According to reports from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, at least 100,000 people in Khartoum are experiencing severe famine conditions. This humanitarian tragedy stems from a power struggle that has devastated the nation’s economy and infrastructure, pushing millions closer to starvation.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, has resulted in catastrophic consequences for its residents, marked by severe loss of life, displacement, and humanitarian crises. The struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF continues to create unbearable living conditions, exacerbating food shortages and widespread desperation. Community efforts are critical, yet they face overwhelming challenges in the face of war. The situation calls for urgent international attention to prevent further suffering and stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
