Khartoum Gravedigger Reflects on the Harrowing Costs of Conflict in Sudan

The Sudanese army has recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, signaling potential control over the capital. Meanwhile, civilians suffer immense casualties and hardships, as exemplified by gravedigger Mr. Abidin Durma, who buries many daily. Tragic stories of families affected by the conflict reveal ongoing trauma and fear among the populace, regardless of military outcomes.

As the civil war rages in Sudan, the armed forces have recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development suggests that the army may be close to regaining full control over the capital, two years after being ousted. The conflict has profoundly impacted civilians, leading to substantial human suffering and widespread famine across the country.

In a recent offensive, the Sudanese army made significant progress against the RSF, reclaiming portions of central Khartoum. Soldiers displayed high morale, singing and celebrating as they executed their operations. As they advanced, the military successfully targeted an RSF convoy attempting to retreat, resulting in considerable destruction and casualties.

Amidst the conflict, Mr. Abidin Durma, a gravedigger in Omdurman, epitomizes the grim reality faced by the civilians. His family’s cemetery has expanded due to the overwhelming number of casualties, which he attributes to both active fighting and overwhelming healthcare demands. Mr. Durma and a team of volunteers are burying anywhere from 25 to 50 bodies daily, working swiftly due to a lack of refrigeration facilities.

The devastation has affected countless families. Mr. Abazar Abdel Habib mourns the loss of his brother and sister-in-law, who died in artillery fire while taking their son to preschool. Meanwhile, the local community gathers to offer prayers and condolences, bearing witness to the mounting grief. The war has left children traumatized, unable to study, living in constant fear of shelling.

Despite potential military advancements, the ongoing devastation across Sudan illustrates that the conflict’s wounds will endure even if the army regains full control of Khartoum. The profound impact of this war on the civilian populace is undeniable, as they navigate immense loss and uncertainty amid persistent violence.

In summary, as the Sudanese Armed Forces attempt to reclaim Khartoum, the implications for civilian life remain dire. Mr. Abidin Durma’s tireless work and the grief of families such as that of Mr. Abdel Habib highlight the tragic human cost of the conflict. Despite potential for military success, the aftermath continues to threaten the well-being and future of Sudan’s population, underscoring a deep-rooted crisis that will resonate for years.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk