The struggle for control over Khartoum amidst Sudan’s civil war has seen the military reclaim much territory from the RSF, though this victory does not signify an end to the conflict. Civilians continue to endure horrendous violence and loss, with accounts detailing widespread atrocities and destruction, illustrating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has resulted in significant turmoil in the capital, Khartoum, now contested between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The military has largely reclaimed the city, previously under RSF control for almost two years, which could mark a pivotal shift in the conflict. However, this potential victory for the military is unlikely to conclude hostilities entirely.
Recent weeks have seen the army encircle Khartoum, advancing from the south and making inroads into the northern and eastern districts. The devastation across the reclaimed areas is profound—with buildings ravaged by fire, bullet holes marking their surfaces, and streets strewn with debris and the remnants of looting. Despite some areas appearing intact, the fear among residents remains palpable, particularly with recent accounts of atrocities committed by RSF fighters against civilians.
Residents have shared harrowing stories of violence, including one mother’s account of her sons being shot by RSF soldiers. Intisar Adam Suleiman describes the trauma of losing her son to inadequate medical resources while another son sustained a gunshot wound. Such incidents exemplify the brutal reality faced by civilians amid warfare, as well as the widespread horrors experienced within communities throughout Khartoum.
Another witness, Asma Mubarak Abdel Karim, recounted being threatened by retreating RSF soldiers, noting terrifying moments of violence against a fellow woman during their retreat. An RSF spokesperson has refuted these claims, asserting that the RSF maintained control without significant crimes and attributing accusations of mass killings to the army’s recent actions.
As the conflict escalates, the RSF’s senior officials have reportedly fled Khartoum, further exacerbating an already deteriorating situation. The military has begun using drones to issue leaflets urging remaining fighters to surrender, offering a chance for survival rather than engaging in violent confrontations.
In the aftermath, many areas of Khartoum reveal signs of considerable damage and loss. Residents like Zeinab Osman al-Haj recount horrific encounters with RSF fighters who pillaged homes. The description of the destruction reflects not merely a conflict but chaos, characterized by theft and brutality.
Survivors like Hussein Abbas highlight the emotional toll of displacement experienced during the war. They struggle to return and reclaim their homes, with many experiencing extreme hardship. Although the army may appear to have gained the upper hand, the ongoing suffering among Sudan’s citizens indicates that the road to peace is still fraught with challenges.
The civil war in Sudan has led to catastrophic consequences for the populace of Khartoum, characterized by violence, destruction, and profound human suffering. Witness accounts reveal a haunting reality filled with atrocities committed by the RSF against civilians, as well as the emotional scars borne by those seeking to return home. As the military edges toward potential control, the ongoing humanitarian crisis remains a significant concern, suggesting that the conflict is far from resolved despite military advancements.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
