(Reuters) – The official death count in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum State, may be significantly lower than the actual number of civilian casualties, according to a Reuters analysis. The government’s health ministry reported 234 deaths as of July 5, while local activists and volunteer groups recorded at least 580 civilian deaths from air strikes, artillery, and gunfire through July 26. The unofficial tally, likely an undercount, underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Sudan, which has injured over 12,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million.
The war, which began in mid-April, has seen clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country’s primary paramilitary group. Most of the fighting has taken place in Khartoum State, where local health and government services have been rendered largely ineffective. The entities responsible for recording fatalities are unable to keep up with the violence.
The RSF and the army have accused each other of harming civilians. The RSF alleges that the army uses warplanes and heavy artillery to bomb residential areas, while the military claims that the RSF fires missiles into neighborhoods, loots homes and businesses, and then blames the army for the attacks.
Throughout Khartoum State, pro-democracy activists and emergency response volunteer groups have been documenting civilian casualties. However, even their figures are likely an undercount as some groups are more organized than others. The official figures do not account for the deaths reported by the witnesses, which include a pregnant woman, a man, and five children who died in an air strike in the Shambat neighborhood.
Attacks on residential areas have become commonplace, resulting in numerous fatalities. Both the army and RSF have been accused of carrying out these attacks, but neither side has responded publicly to the accusations. The conflict has also indirectly caused deaths due to the strain on Sudan’s healthcare system and infrastructure.
Residents of Shambat, in particular, have reported a hellish existence, with RSF soldiers patrolling the streets. The RSF is known to stop young men suspected of working for the army. Such incidents have created a climate of fear and tension, further impacting the lives of civilians in the war-torn region.
In conclusion, the actual death toll in Khartoum State is likely much higher than official figures suggest, highlighting the severity of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The war continues to take its toll on civilians, displacing millions and causing significant damage to healthcare and infrastructure.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
