In Khartoum, many Sudanese civilians are expressing support for the army as it makes significant advances against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a bid to reclaim control of the capital. However, activists report that both the army and the RSF are increasingly employing violent tactics, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
The conflict, which has been ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in what the United Nations describes as the "largest humanitarian crisis in the world." The violence has led to tens of thousands of casualties and has displaced approximately 12.5 million people from their homes. The RSF has been accused of seizing land and properties from local communities, further aggravating the crisis.
On February 1, the RSF launched a deadly artillery attack in a crowded market in Omdurman, resulting in at least 56 fatalities. Following this, the RSF detained two local relief workers and the manager of one of Khartoum’s few remaining functioning hospitals, raising concerns about the safety of humanitarian personnel in the area.
As the army continues to face stronger resistance from the RSF, particularly in central Khartoum and the East Nile district, it has reportedly imposed a partial siege on these areas. Local activists have described the situation as increasingly desperate, with civilians trapped and facing limited escape routes that are heavily monitored by army drones and fighter jets. Many families have lost their lives trying to flee.
Despite the ongoing violence, some displaced individuals are returning to their homes in Omdurman, celebrating the army’s efforts to push the RSF out. However, the return is bittersweet as many neighborhoods have been severely damaged or destroyed. Residents are grappling with the aftermath, which includes a lack of basic services such as water and electricity, as well as the presence of corpses still lying in the streets.
The fear among civilians is palpable, with many fleeing Khartoum out of concern for reprisals from the army and its allied forces. Rights groups have reported that the army targets local relief workers and individuals perceived to be from western or southern Sudan. This has led to a climate of fear, particularly among those who have roots in regions historically marginalized in Sudan’s social and political landscape.
Activists have recounted instances of violence and ethnic targeting, particularly in areas like Wad Madani, where the army has been accused of committing atrocities against those suspected of supporting the RSF. The situation is compounded by reports of extrajudicial killings and ethnic profiling, with the army denying these allegations and asserting its commitment to upholding the laws of war.
In the midst of this chaos, the RSF has been accused of looting markets and homes, stealing valuables as they retreat from areas previously under their control. Civilians report being targeted for their possessions, including electronics and money, as the RSF seeks to capitalize on the turmoil.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions caught in the crossfire of a brutal struggle for power. The international community watches with concern as the situation in Sudan remains volatile, and the prospects for peace and stability seem increasingly distant.