Sudanese troops have recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, marking a significant advance against the RSF in the ongoing civil war. Abidin Durma, a gravedigger in Omdurman, reports burying dozens of civilians daily due to intense shelling and violence, indicating the humanitarian crisis. Families suffer profound losses, with children experiencing ongoing trauma, highlighting the war’s devastating effects on Sudanese society.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has reached a critical juncture as Sudanese troops have regained the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development marks a significant potential victory for the Sudanese Armed Forces, reaffirming their presence in a capital that has been a battlefield since the war’s inception. Despite these military advancements, civilians continue to suffer immensely from the violence and its repercussions, including death, destruction, and famine in certain regions.
Recent offensives have seen troops reclaim key districts in Khartoum, with a notable rally taking place in Khartoum North prior to the latest push. Soldiers displayed high spirits, engaging in chants and songs, which bolstered their morale before advancing through RSF-controlled zones. The army’s recent destruction of an RSF convoy further indicates their progress as they expand their foothold in the capital city.
Amidst this turmoil, Omdurman’s gravedigger, Abidin Durma, embodies the tragedy of war. His family’s connection to Sudanese history complements his grim role during this conflict. The Ahmed Sharfi Cemetery, where he works, has expanded due to the overwhelming number of casualties, evidencing the severe human cost of the ongoing violence.
Mr. Durma reports that he and volunteers inter as many as 50 bodies daily, responding quickly due to the absence of reliable refrigeration at hospitals. The speed reflects the dire circumstances, as families seek to lay their loved ones to rest almost immediately to prevent further distress. He provides harrowing insights into the war’s impact, stating, “There is no time to sleep until the last body is buried.”
The war’s effects extend to families across Khartoum and Omdurman, with communities mourning significant losses. Abazar Abdel Habib, whom I met at a hospital morgue, lost family members to artillery strikes, while young survivors like Omnia will endure the trauma of having lost their parents. The collective grief has led to rituals of remembrance, emphasizing the relentless psychological toll on those affected.
Residents express their fear and sorrow, describing how children live in terror with limited opportunities for normal lives, schooling disrupted by the omnipresent threat of shelling. Despite hoping for an end to the conflict with a potential army victory in Khartoum, the reality remains that the war’s scars will persist throughout Sudan, affecting generations to come.
The civil war in Sudan has reached a pivotal point with military advancements in Khartoum, yet the humanitarian crisis intensifies. As gravedigger Abidin Durma exemplifies, the alarming death toll reflects the devastating reality on the ground. As families mourn their losses amid ongoing violence, the need for resolution is dire, though any end to the fighting in Khartoum does not guarantee peace throughout the nation. The spirit of resilience among Sudanese civilians underscores the deep psychological and societal challenges that will linger long after the conflict ceases.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
