Stories from Khartoum · Sudan

More than 200 pyramids in Sudan are at risk due to desert advancement and sand erosion. Most of these structures belong to the ancient Kush kingdom in Nubia. The expansion of the desert and wind effects are compromising the future of these sites. Desertification is reportedly expanding into the Sahel grassland belt, which spans over 5,000 kilometers across multiple countries. The belt is located between the Sahara Desert and the Sudanese savanna. One country significantly affected by this expansion is Niger, which contains large portions of the Sahel territory.

The International University of Africa in Khartoum was completely destroyed during the ongoing war. A bomb struck a building near the campus while civilians were present. The destruction follows the establishment of a Rapid Support Forces base near a local hospital. At least one civilian death was reported during a recent bombing near a hospital. The university requires approximately $50 million to restore its facilities following heavy combat damage. Buildings have been looted and show impact from bullets and bombings. Large holes from bombardments are visible on the walls. The university campus is returning to a normal state with students returning to roads, though damage remains. Large areas of the campus consist of vacant lots with disturbed earth.

The Sudanese Ministry of Health has announced a strategic plan to combat malaria. The initiative aims to reduce malaria infection rates by half by the year 2030. This announcement follows ongoing security challenges and conflict within the country.

A report from the Global Food Crisis Network identifies Sudan as one of the countries suffering most from food insecurity. Social media users in Sudan have shared videos showing an Egyptian citizen assisting Sudanese people during return journeys, highlighting ties between the two nations. In the Al-Mafaza market in eastern Sudan, videos have also circulated showing a decrease in mango prices. The UN has noted that availability-based food insecurity dropped from 28% to 13% over the last few years, but affordability remains the primary driver of current hunger levels. The UN warns that this war is undoing decades of international development progress in just weeks. Severe food insecurity in Sudan is currently affecting 88% of the population. Previous levels of severe food insecurity were recorded at approximately 28%.

Millions of Sudanese people face an escalating risk of starvation as military operations continue. The humanitarian crisis has been worsening for over four years. United Nations officials have issued warnings regarding an humanitarian catastrophe. Families lack access to basic necessities including food, water, and healthcare. Civilian conditions and military developments continue to evolve in Sudan. Suicide vehicles have been used to target civilian areas in Sudan. Ground operations in North and South Kordofan axes are seeing relative calm following recent army offensives in the Kazgil and Alouba axes. These military movements led to the destruction of several targets last week.