The scars of war among survivors in Sudan

The scars of war among survivors in Sudan

The scars of war among survivors - Three years of relentless conflict have left Sudan in ruins, with the devastation etched into the lives of countless civilians. The war’s legacy is not just in the destruction of cities and infrastructure, but in the profound emotional and physical toll it has exacted on those who endured its horrors. As the Sudanese army retook Khartoum last year, the fighting continued elsewhere, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces remaining a formidable force. Amid this chaos, survivors carry the weight of loss, injury, and the enduring struggle to rebuild their lives.

For many, the war has become a permanent part of daily existence. Thousands have perished, while millions have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps or distant cities. The Associated Press team documented the aftermath of the conflict during a visit that spanned over a week, accompanied by a military media representative. Despite the presence of armed forces, the AP retained full control over their reporting, ensuring the stories of ordinary people were told with unflinching honesty.

Omer al-Toum: A Soccer Dreamer Turned Amputee

Omer al-Toum, a 33-year-old father of two, once envisioned himself as a future player for Sudan’s national soccer team. That dream was shattered in October when an unexploded ordnance detonated in his home as he attempted to use it to pry open a door. The explosion severed his right leg and left arm, leaving him with a shattered remaining leg and a lifetime of mobility challenges.

“When I knew that my leg had been amputated, my family expected more of a reaction from me, but I didn’t show them how affected I was,” al-Toum said.

Today, al-Toum struggles with basic tasks like bathing or navigating his home. The narrow doorways and lack of accessible infrastructure force him to rely on a wheelchair, which he can only afford through donations. Though he faces physical limitations, he has found purpose in coaching young soccer players, urging them to stay in school to preserve their future options.

“As long as you are still breathing, you are still capable of doing many things. And when God takes something away from you, he will surely compensate you with other things,” he added.

Al-Toum’s resilience is a testament to the spirit of those who refuse to surrender hope. Yet, his story is just one of many, each marked by the stark contrast between past aspirations and present realities.

Noon Madani: A Mother’s Fight for Survival

Noon Madani’s life was upended nearly three years ago when she was forced to leave her home in a neighborhood controlled by paramilitary forces. Her older sister’s insistence on moving forward that day proved to be a fateful decision. As they returned, a missile struck their car, killing her 18-year-old sister and critically injuring Noon, who was 16 at the time.

Madani now lives in a wheelchair, her legs encased in casts as she recovers from the injuries. She described the moment she found her sister’s body, her head filled with shrapnel fragments, lying motionless beside her. The trauma of that scene remains etched in her memory, though she speaks of it with quiet resolve.

“You can’t imagine when someone suddenly tells you that your daughters were hit by an artillery shell. You enter a phase of breakdown,” said their father, Omer Bakar.

Bakar, who has spent six months in the hospital, has witnessed the toll of the conflict firsthand. The family’s home was destroyed, and their savings were depleted, forcing them to rely on neighbors for support. Despite the odds, Madani continues to pursue her dream of studying science and becoming a doctor, a goal she now sees as a lifeline.

Zeinab Ageb: A Child’s Resilience in the Shadow of War

For Fatma Ageb, the war’s impact is most visible in her 8-year-old daughter, Zeinab. On a seemingly ordinary day in February 2025, a shell struck their home, killing her husband and two older daughters. Zeinab survived, though her face was permanently scarred, and she lost her right eye. A glass prosthetic now replaces the missing organ, a symbol of both loss and adaptation.

Ageb, who wipes tears from her cheeks as she recounts the attack, credits her daughter with keeping her going. Zeinab’s determination is evident as she proudly shows off a drawing while a doctor tends to her wounds. The girl, who wears a necklace featuring the snow queen from the film “Frozen,” has become a beacon of hope for her family.

“If it wasn’t for Zeinab, I wouldn’t want to live. She’s always calling for her sisters and father,” Ageb said.

Zeinab’s medical needs remain pressing, with her family relying on friends and relatives to pool resources for operations. Yet, the cost of care continues to mount, and her mother fears they may not have enough to cover the next round of treatments. Despite these challenges, Zeinab’s quiet strength reflects the broader resilience of Sudan’s children, who often bear the brunt of war’s devastation.

Tariq Abuzeid: From Humanitarian Work to Battlefield Wounds

Tariq Abuzeid, a 52-year-old construction worker, once dedicated his time to helping others. For years, he ran soup kitchens from his home, distributing food to those in need and donating medicine to the sick. When the war reached Khartoum, he doubled his efforts, volunteering to assist displaced families and ensure they had access to basic necessities.

That dedication cost him his right leg in December 2023, when intense shelling struck near a food distribution point. The blast left him bleeding profusely and with a weakened immune system, requiring him to take dozens of pills daily. While surrounded by family, Abuzeid often struggles to suppress the emotional weight of his transformation from caregiver to casualty.

His story highlights the dual role of many Sudanese during the conflict—serving as both victims and volunteers. Abuzeid’s stoicism is a shield against despair, though the memories of the past year’s violence linger in his mind like a haunting shadow.

As the war drags on, the scars left on survivors are both visible and invisible. They endure physical pain, financial strain, and the psychological burden of loss, yet continue to find ways to persevere. For those in Sudan, the war is not just a backdrop to their lives but an unrelenting force that reshapes their futures. Each story, though unique, is a thread in the same tapestry of suffering and survival, reminding the world of the human cost of conflict and the quiet courage of those who endure it.