The Persistent Toll of the Sudanese Civil War: A Gravedigger’s Lament
Sudanese troops have recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing civil war. The army’s recent offensives have resulted in significant territorial gains; however, the humanitarian crisis persists, with civilians enduring immense suffering, high casualties, and devastating losses. Figures such as gravedigger Abidin Durma highlight the scale of the tragedy as communities mourn deeply while grappling with the reality of ongoing violence and fear.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has intensified, with the Sudanese army successfully recapturing the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This military advancement signifies a crucial moment in the conflict, marking near-total control of the capital, where fierce battles have been fought since the inception of the civil war. As the army consolidates its gains in the capital, the humanitarian situation for civilians remains dire, plagued by widespread death, destruction, and human rights violations.
In recent offensive operations, the army has regained territory in northern and eastern areas of Khartoum, illustrating the military’s determination to reclaim lost ground. Access to soldiers engaged in combat training revealed their high morale, underscored by celebratory songs and chants as they prepared for the assaults. Enhancements in their strategic positions culminated in breaking through RSF-held zones, leading to successful engagements and significant casualties among enemy ranks.
However, the cost of the conflict is acutely felt by civilians, as evidences of death and suffering accumulate. Prominent among those bearing witness to this tragedy is Abidin Durma, a gravedigger in Omdurman, who has witnessed an unprecedented spike in fatalities. He notes that on some days, he must bury as many as 50 bodies, a testament to the war’s relentless toll, with artillery strikes claiming innumerable lives across neighborhoods.
The Ahmed Sharfi Cemetery in Omdurman has notably expanded, reflecting the ongoing crisis, with numerous unmarked graves attesting to the scale of tragedy. Mr. Durma’s grim responsibility highlights the harsh reality of funeral preparations amidst chaotic circumstances, as he prepares bodies for burial without delay due to the lack of proper refrigeration facilities. He expresses the urgency of his work, stating, “There is no time to sleep until the last body is buried.”
The impact of the conflict is palpable within local communities, where mourning rituals have become routine. Families, like that of Abazar Abdel Habib, grapple with the emotional aftermath of losing loved ones, enduring attacks that obliterate familial structures. His niece, Omnia, expresses survival yet carries the burden of orphanhood after artillery fire took her parents. Community members lament their reality, encapsulated in sentiments such as, “Daily we are losing our children; there is always a state of fear.”
The profound state of instability in Khartoum echoes sentiments of hopelessness among residents. Local women recount horrifying experiences of using makeshift shelters during attacks, reflecting an inescapable culture of fear and sorrow. The potential for an end to shelling with an army victory over the RSF brings only a glimmer of hope, as the broader ramifications of the ongoing war loom large across Sudan.
The situation in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, signifies a critical juncture in its civil war, highlighted by the army’s recent military advancements against the RSF. However, such developments come amidst a profound humanitarian crisis, with escalating fatalities and deterioration of living conditions for civilians. Figures like Abidin Durma exemplify the tragic human cost of this conflict, as families face irreparable losses and communities endure daily terror. While a potential military victory may provide temporary relief in Khartoum, it is clear that the broader implications of war will continue to haunt the nation long after.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
