Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, was once again marred by violence as a crowded market became the site of a devastating attack involving explosive weapons. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a renowned medical charity, reported that at least 46 individuals lost their lives, and more than 60 sustained injuries during the assault.
Carnage in Qouro Market
The Qouro market, located in southern Khartoum, witnessed scenes of utter carnage on Sunday when a military aircraft bombarded the area, leaving it in ruins. MSF described the aftermath as horrifying, with emergency coordinator Marie Burton stating that Khartoum had been embroiled in conflict for nearly six months, and the volunteers and medical staff at Bashair Hospital were deeply shocked and overwhelmed by the horrifying events that unfolded.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The attack on the market is just the latest tragedy in a protracted conflict that erupted in April. The dispute between army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ignited the civil war. Since then, an estimated five million people have been displaced, and thousands have lost their lives. Khartoum and the western Darfur region have been among the hardest-hit areas, with the RSF maintaining significant control over these regions.
Failed Mediation Efforts
Efforts to mediate an end to the conflict, involving nations such as the US and Saudi Arabia, have yielded no success thus far. Despite several ceasefire agreements aimed at facilitating the safe evacuation of civilians from the conflict zone, these accords have been repeatedly violated. Air strikes, like the one that claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including two children, just a week ago, continue to wreak havoc on the lives of Sudanese civilians.
The people of Sudan continue to endure unimaginable suffering, with MSF personnel working tirelessly to save the lives of those severely injured in the ongoing violence. As the international community watches in dismay, there remains a desperate need for a lasting solution to bring peace and stability back to this war-torn nation.
