The conflict between Sudan’s army and paramilitary RSF has caused severe humanitarian crises in Khartoum, leading to numerous deaths, massive displacement, and despairing living conditions. Over 3.5 million people have fled, with tens of thousands reported dead, and famine conditions affecting many in the region. Community kitchens are established as lifelines, despite ongoing challenges and risks.
In Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, the ongoing conflict has created unbearable conditions manifested by the stench from sewage pits where bodies are being discovered. Red Crescent volunteers have reported that 14 more bodies remain submerged in a pit, many bearing gunshot wounds or signs of severe trauma, as noted by Hisham Zein al-Abdeen, head of forensic medicine at Sudan’s health ministry.
The battle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has transformed Khartoum into a war zone, with over 3.5 million residents fleeing and many others living among the ruins. Since April 2023, the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been fighting against his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and massive displacement.
As the army regains control of territories such as Bahri and East Nile, RSF troops still hold significant power, with Daglo declaring, “We will not leave the Republican Palace,” emphasizing his intent to capture Port Sudan. An AFP report highlights the destruction in both Khartoum and its neighboring city of Omdurman, showcasing empty streets, abandoned buildings, and traumatic remnants of war.
Currently, the civilian population faces dire conditions, lacking electricity, clean water, and sufficient food. Many have formed community kitchens to prepare meals, demonstrating resilience amid adversity. However, these kitchens are fighting to survive against a backdrop of robbery and supply limitations imposed by the RSF.
The conflict has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in famine conditions for approximately 100,000 individuals in Khartoum alone. With many displaced in makeshift camps, the war has devastated Sudan’s already struggling economy and infrastructure, bringing millions to the edge of starvation. The International Food Security Phase Classification has formally identified famine in three significant displacement camps.
The situation in Sudan’s capital Khartoum reflects the tragic consequences of a prolonged conflict between the army and the RSF, leading to extensive loss of life and mass displacement. The deteriorating humanitarian conditions, coupled with shortages of basic necessities such as food and water, emphasize the urgency of international attention to avert further catastrophe. Continued attention and relief efforts are crucial for those battling starvation and trauma as they navigate this harrowing crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
