Summary of "Children caught up in Sudan’s deadly civil war | BBC News"

Sudan’s Ongoing Civil War and Humanitarian Crisis

The BBC News report highlights the devastating impact of Sudan’s civil war, now in its second year, focusing on the severe humanitarian crisis engulfing the country. The conflict between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to:

Approximately 150,000 deaths
Over 12 million people displaced

The war has destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and communities, with children suffering the most.

On the Ground in Khartoum

BBC correspondent Noel al-Magafi traveled to Khartoum, Sudan’s capital and a key battleground marked by widespread destruction. The report features the story of 12-year-old Zahir, who lost both legs in a drone strike while selling lentils with his mother. His mother struggles to afford prosthetics that could restore his mobility and a sense of normal childhood.

Many children like Zahir have lost their families, homes, and access to education, with millions currently out of school.

Children’s Experiences and Trauma

In a poignant classroom scene, children express their hopes and fears amid the conflict:

Some aspire to be soldiers to protect their country
Others want to become doctors to help the wounded

The psychological trauma is as profound as the physical injuries. The report also reveals the grim reality of children forced to clean up war remnants, including human remains, underscoring the loss of innocence.

Humanitarian Conditions

Noel al-Magafi describes catastrophic humanitarian conditions, including:

Acute malnutrition affecting three million children under five
Outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever and cholera
Overwhelmed hospitals where parents face heartbreaking choices, such as a mother who could only afford antibiotics for one of her starving twin daughters

Challenges in Reporting

Access to Khartoum was difficult due to security concerns and bureaucratic restrictions, requiring daily permissions for filming. Despite these challenges, local people were eager to share their stories, feeling neglected by the international community.

Although the army controls Khartoum and the correspondent felt relatively safe, fighting continues elsewhere, with ongoing reports of atrocities committed by both sides.

Presenter/Contributor: - Noel al-Magafi (BBC correspondent)