Khartoum, Sudan — Amidst the ongoing reconstruction in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum residents are grappling with severe environmental hazards, posing a significant threat to their safety and well-being.
The situation has worsened dramatically since the identification of famine conditions in El Fasher and its surrounding camps last year. Over 635,000 people, including many in the country’s largest camp for displaced people, are experiencing famine conditions and a heightened risk of death without immediate food and nutrition assistance, according to reports. This scale of return to Khartoum is both a sign of resilience and a warning of the dire circumstances facing the city’s residents.
In addition to the food crisis, families in Sudan’s battered capital are now encountering a new danger: unexploded shells. Over 1 million Darfuris still live in their villages, under constant threat of bombings, raids, murder, rape, and torture. The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the city poses a significant risk to those returning home, as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of conflict.
The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have sounded the alarm over the escalating crisis in Sudan. “The situation in Khartoum is of great concern,” said the UN chief, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian situation. IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP have also joined forces to urge immediate action to provide aid to those affected by the crisis.
Khalid Abdelaziz and Eltayeb Siddig, in a report by Reuters, described the new danger faced by Khartoum residents, emphasizing the importance of clearing UXO and providing support to those returning to the city. “Families find a new danger in Sudan’s battered capital, unexploded shells,” they noted.
The humanitarian crisis in Khartoum is a complex issue with multiple layers of challenges. As the city rebuilds, addressing these environmental hazards is crucial for the safety and well-being of its residents. The international community must continue to provide support and resources to help mitigate the risks and ensure a sustainable recovery for Sudan’s capital.
Source: Africa
