Are you tired of the same old news stories about conflict and chaos? Well, look no further than Sudan, where things are heating up in a way that even the most seasoned war correspondent couldn’t have predicted.
Leaders from all over the world have called for a cease-fire, but it’s still unclear who’s in control of the third largest country in Africa. Meanwhile, residents of the capital city of Khartoum are watching warplanes and military helicopters circling ominously, and homes are shaking with the sound of shelling. It’s like a scene straight out of a Hollywood thriller, except this is real life.
According to one brave mechanical engineer who ventured out of his home, “Everyone is afraid. You can see it in their eyes. People are panicking.” And who can blame them? The streets are dangerous and desolate, making it feel like a scene out of a post-apocalyptic movie.
The fighting began on Saturday between forces loyal to two generals, and it’s only escalated from there. Only the army has aircraft, leading to accusations of “bombing civilians from the air.” The Sudanese Army insists they’re “operating within the rules of conflict and international humanitarian law,” but something tells us that’s not much comfort to the civilians caught in the crossfire.
And speaking of civilians, they’re the ones who are really suffering. One-third of Sudan’s already impoverished population was in need of food aid before the conflict started, and now aid groups have been forced to suspend operations. Even worse, three workers from the United Nations World Food Program have been killed. It’s heartbreaking, but unfortunately not surprising.
Meanwhile, the leaders of both military factions have made it clear that they have no intention of ending the fighting, although they are willing to consider a “pause” to allow humanitarian access. Thank goodness for small miracles.
Despite calls for a cease-fire from American and UN officials, it seems like the conflict will only get worse. Hospitals are coming under fire, and the European Union ambassador to Sudan was assaulted in his own home. The situation is so dire that observers are worried it could drag other nations into the conflict.
If there’s any silver lining to this situation, it’s that the people of Sudan are tough as nails. Even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, residents of one city are already starting to venture out of their homes, with traffic building in some shopping areas. Still, it’s hard not to feel like this conflict is a true zombie apocalypse, with civilians and aid workers alike struggling to survive. Here’s hoping for a miracle.
Serious News: nytimes
