Sudanese army recaptures Khartoum after six-month offensive

In Khartoum, Sudan, a significant shift occurred as the Sudanese army successfully recaptured the capital from the Rapid Support Forces after a six-month offensive. The aftermath showcased a city transformed by intense urban combat, leaving its commercial and governmental center severely damaged. Residents are navigating through debris and destruction, a stark reminder of the conflict's toll. In a moment of resilience, citizens celebrated Eid, the Muslim holiday, while uncertain about what the future holds post-conflict. Barbara Plett Usher reported a quiet landscape, with buildings suffering extensive damage, particularly from drone strikes. Surveying the remnants of violence, she noted a soldier's account revealing how shelling contributed to the fallout, emphasizing that the sanctity of churches was compromised by the disrespectful actions of combatants. Community members are grappling with both the physical and emotional scars left from the warfare, a reality highlighted by an elderly man’s poignant remark about feeling safe yet hungry for the first time in two years. The return of communication, notably mobile services once targeted by looters, has been cautiously optimistic for many residents as they reconnect with the outside world. However, amidst the fleeting sense of safety, there remains deep concern about the long-term impact on civil society, particularly for activists and freedom advocates. Many express a palpable anxiety regarding future civic life and recovery from the trauma experienced throughout the war. Ultimately, while the army's victory brings a momentary pause to the violence, the prevailing atmosphere is one of uncertainty as citizens ponder the implications of this change. Families and communities are attempting to regroup and find hope as they navigate the post-conflict landscape and envision the future of Khartoum, a city emblematic of both resilience and despair.