Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the army and RSF in Khartoum has led to mixed reactions from civilians, with some viewing the army as a liberator despite emerging brutality from both sides. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by violence against local aid workers and widespread fear of reprisal, as ethnic targeting escalates. Amidst these challenges, some displaced families cautiously return home but face severe damage and lack of essential services, while the RSF continues to inflict suffering through looting and attacks.
As Sudan’s armed forces advance against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, civilians grapple with conflicting sentiments. While many residents view the army as a liberating force, activists assert that increasing brutality from both factions is worsening the humanitarian crisis. Recent violence from the RSF, including a deadly artillery attack on a crowded market, underscores the dire situation. In a troubling escalation, RSF fighters have detained local aid workers in under-resourced areas, highlighting the precarious conditions in the city. Meanwhile, the army imposes a siege in central Khartoum, creating severe hardships for the inhabitants as they attempt to escape escalating violence.
Since April 2023, the ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian disaster, with approximately 12.5 million individuals displaced and tens of thousands reportedly dead. Amidst army advances and the RSF’s retreat to Darfur, some displaced families tentatively return to their homes in Omdurman but face the grim reality of destroyed neighborhoods and health infrastructure. Activists relay harrowing accounts of families fleeing Khartoum due to fear of reprisals by the army, which appears to systematically target people based on ethnic background, particularly those associated with the RSF.
Reports from local monitors detail alarming allegations of extrajudicial killings by army-affiliated groups, further chilling the atmosphere of fear among vulnerable communities. Despite escalating violence, army spokesperson Nabil Abdullah has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their forces adhere to the law. As the RSF has retreated, they reportedly resorted to looting and theft, disrupting civilian life in the capital. Local relief workers, who are often targeted, express their despair at the worsening conditions and their precarious existence, forced to evade the RSF while navigating dangerous territory.
Amidst the violence, the RSF continues to raid homes in search of valuables, exacerbating the fear among citizens. A local relief worker described the disarray among communities, indicating that they often cannot stay in one place for fear of being targeted. The urgent need for humanitarian assistance and safety arises in a beleaguered populace caught in the crossfire of two militant factions.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has engendered an alarming humanitarian crisis, characterized by violence, displacement, and a pervasive climate of fear. While some civilians perceive the army as a liberating force, the overall situation remains dire, exacerbated by brutal tactics from both sides. The ongoing violence and looting have left many communities in a state of distress, with a pressing need for humanitarian aid and protection.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
