Citizens of Khartoum Trapped Under Rubble Amid Sudan's Civil War

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has left Khartoum in a state of devastation, with many residents trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

Since the war began on April 15, 2023, around 5,000 people have been killed, with millions displaced from their homes. The SAF controls the skies and frequently conducts air strikes, while RSF fighters dominate the streets of the capital. This has created a deadly environment for civilians, who are often caught in the crossfire.

Why this matters: The ongoing civil war in Sudan has devastating humanitarian consequences, affecting millions of people and displacing many from their homes. If left unchecked, the conflict could lead to further instability in the region, exacerbate the refugee crisis, and have long-term impacts on the country's economy and infrastructure.

On a recent Sunday, residents of Khartoum woke up to the sound of artillery and rocket fire, just hours after an air strike in the city's south killed at least 20 civilians, including two children. The neighborhood's resistance committee confirmed the death toll, noting that many victims suffered severe burns or were torn apart by the bombing.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is dire. More than half of the country's 48 million people now require aid and protection, with six million on the brink of famine. The conflict has displaced around 3.8 million people internally, with another million fleeing to neighboring countries. In Khartoum alone, nearly 2.8 million people have been forced to leave their homes.

Resistance committees in Khartoum have been essential in providing relief. These grassroots groups help dig survivors out of the rubble, deliver medicine, and document atrocities committed by both sides. Their efforts are often carried out under the constant threat of gunfire and further air strikes.

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim portrait of life in Khartoum and neighboring Omdurman. Lindsey Hilsum, a reporter for Independent Television News, described the devastation in Omdurman: *"Imagine the shopkeepers, the people who lived here, the lives destroyed by this futile war. "*

The RSF has been accused of severe human rights abuses, including torture and killings. Waleed Ahmed, a resident, described finding a torture chamber in a house taken over by the RSF: "When I came here, I was shocked at what I saw in front of me. What could possibly have gone on here?"

The conflict has also exacerbated the already critical need for humanitarian aid. Before the current conflict, 15.8 million people were already in need of assistance. Now, 25 million people require aid, with organizations like the UNHCR, World Food Program, and Doctors Without Borders working tirelessly to provide relief.

The ongoing conflict poses immense challenges to the international community in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. With only $145 million raised out of the $2.7 billion needed for 2024, the path to recovery and stability remains uncertain.

The situation in Khartoum and across Sudan serves as a vivid illustration of the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on civilian populations. The need for immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance is more critical than ever.

Key Takeaways

• 5,000 killed, millions displaced in Sudan's civil war since April 2023.
• SAF controls skies, RSF dominates streets, trapping civilians in crossfire.
• 6 million Sudanese on brink of famine, 25 million need humanitarian aid.
• Resistance committees provide relief, document atrocities amidst conflict.
• $2.7 billion needed for 2024 aid, only $145 million raised so far.