Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

In capital Khartoum, civilians face desperate struggle to survive

In capital Khartoum, civilians face desperate struggle to survive

Since fighting broke out in Sudan on April 15, Khartoum resident Omar says he and his father have not left their home and believe they are the only civilians left in the neighborhood.
They have limited themselves to one meal a day, hoping their dwindling food supplies will last a month longer.

“After that, we don’t know what we’ll do except survive off water and dates,” he said by phone from Sudan’s embattled capital.

While others have fled, they have stayed in Khartoum, in an area near the airport where there’s been intense fighting, because they did not want to abandon their home, said Omar, who declined to give his full name out of fears for their safety.

His account captures the desperate situation facing the millions of people still believed to be in Khartoum more than three weeks since the eruption of deadly fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

While tens of thousands of people have fled the capital — which had a pre-war population of some 10 million — most have stayed put, some because it was too dangerous or expensive to leave, others to hold onto their homes.

They face dwindling food supplies, power cuts, water shortages and patchy telecoms. The UN, which has warned of a major humanitarian catastrophe, has said it is working to negotiate safe aid access to Khartoum.

The World Food Programme said that as many as 2.5 million people in Sudan are expected to slip into hunger.

Even before the violence began, millions of people in Sudan and neighboring countries were dependent on aid due to poverty and conflict.

The fighting has continued in Khartoum, where long queues can be seen at the limited number of bakeries that are still functioning.

“There’s always a shortage of something,” said business owner Hashim, 35, who hasn’t been able to find rice or pasta for a week. He would have left Sudan but couldn’t because he lost his passport before the fighting began.

“There are those without money who have resorted to going into their neighbors’ abandoned homes and they take whatever food they can find,” he said. “I’ve been surviving off my own savings ..., but eventually that will run out.”

Those with money have struggled to spend it as cash has dried up and the banking apps upon which many Sudanese depend have mostly stopped functioning.

With most hospitals shut, volunteer medics have fanned out into Khartoum’s neighborhoods to help those in need of medical attention, while locals have taken to the streets to keep watch in an effort to prevent looting.

Airstrikes, artillery, and gunfire can be heard even far from the front lines, inflicting a mental toll.

Life had come to a complete standstill, said Ahmed Khalid, 22, a college student still in Khartoum. “We cannot even feel the days as they pass by.”
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×