Citizens Wondering When We Will Return to Khartoum?
By Walid El Noor
After more than seven months of senseless war in Sudan, the Sudanese government, through its ambassador in New York, delivered a letter to the United Nations announcing the unilateral termination of the mandate of the UNAMIS mission in Sudan. In response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a decision appointing the former Algerian Foreign Minister Ramadan Al-Amamra as his personal representative in Sudan, replacing Volker Perthes. The UN spokesperson avoided answering journalists questions about the whereabouts of the Secretary-Generals representative, whether in Sudan or abroad.
In the midst of this political conflict, citizens stranded in the three cities of Khartoum face extremely complex conditions in accessing basic services, especially journalists who endure harassment and accusations under the pretext of possessing information.
The battles between the parties have reached an extremely dangerous stage, to the extent of destroying bridges to cut off supply routes. With the Jeddah platform continuing, Sudanese citizens, whether present under bombardment and clashes in the capitals cities or in the states, are in a state of confusion and despair. The question that no one can answer is when will we return to our homes?
The homes they want to return to have either been destroyed due to bombardment, had roofs collapse on them, or have been emptied of furniture by looters, known as "Shafshafeen." This term, meaning thieves who used to burgle homes at night, is now used for those who enter homes openly during the day. Most Sudanese who left Khartoum and settled in cities near Khartoum envisioned a short stay of no more than a month or two, anticipating the end of the senseless war, as described by the army commander at the time. However, the citizens initial plan failed, and now they are living in disastrous conditions, especially those who settled as guests with their extended families.
Some families preferred to return to Khartoum despite the risks they would face, as they couldnt endure living in the states. Even well-off families that rented apartments and houses at prices ranging from one to three thousand dollars have depleted their savings. Women in the gold market are selling their jewelry at low prices to meet daily needs. Despite discussions about aid and its delivery to those in need, it has not reached the shelters in the states or those present in Khartoum. The international community continues to watch the suffering of the Sudanese people.
