18 days of war in Sudan: Interview with a former Sudanese military officer

According to the World Health Organization, at least 850 people have been killed in Sudan and more than 5,500 people have been injured since the violent conflict erupted in April between the country's two most influential generals, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de-facto ruler of Sudan and commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti”, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an independent armed force. UNHCR has recorded over one million cases of displacement within Sudan or to neighboring countries. Yehia Jamal, a former Sudanese military colonel and political activist who witnessed the eruption of the war, shared with Jusoor Post what he saw during 18 days of the war. 

Unexpected war

“Sudan has witnessed too many clashes, but this particular conflict came as a surprise not only to the Sudanese people but also to the whole world,” Jamal told Jusoor Post, explaining, “Initially, the clashes between the rival factions were concentrated around the army's headquarters, the state television, and the Presidential Palace. At first, we thought it might be minor skirmishes that would quickly subside. But unfortunately, our expectations were proven wrong. The fighting escalated and extended to the residential places.”

The fighting in Khartoum Bahri, where Jamal was living, began on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr on April 21. “We used to hear the sound of far explosions and clashes, but on the Eid day, while I was preparing myself to go to the Eid prayer early in the morning, I heard louder and closer clashes. A young relative of mine came to warn me against going out, as he confirmed the fighting had extended to our residential district,” Jamal recalled. 

Internal struggle 

Despite holding a Dutch passport, Jamal made a conscious decision not to evacuate to the Netherlands at the onset of the conflict. Instead, he chose to stand by his relatives and wait together in Sudan until the battles would end or they could leave as a family unit to Cairo, where their extended family resides. Jamal explained, with deep emotion, the internal struggle he faced, saying, "During times of war, it is challenging to leave behind your home, especially since I consider myself still a military officer. I couldn't abandon my homeland. However, I couldn't ignore the plight of the innocent people and children who needed to be saved.”

Everyday life during war 

As Jamal and his family waited for the battles to subside, the humanitarian situation in Sudan grew increasingly dire. While Jamal himself did not face shortages of food and supplies at home, his extended family faced significant challenges. The closure of markets and the scarcity of food and medicine made it difficult for them to find enough sustenance. Moreover, essential facilities were targeted, resulting in the destruction of electricity stations, disruption of water supplies, and damage to communication towers, leading to days without electricity and limited access to phone signals. Despite the hardships they faced, Jamal and his family prioritized their safety and made efforts to assist others stay safe during these trying times.

People walk by a building that was affected by the Clashes/ AFP

The Sudanese people have a strong reputation for their interdependence, and this enduring situation has only reinforced that characteristic. Jamal vividly described the scenes he witnessed during his stay in Bahri, stating, “In times of need, everybody lends a helping hand. The Sudanese people relied solely on themselves during this war. People formed groups and organized themselves to assist in transporting the wounded and collecting the deceased. Moreover, we made efforts to relocate individuals from unsafe areas to safer ones. It was challenging to navigate through the battles while transporting children and elderly individuals in vehicles, but the Sudanese people showed incredible courage and resilience.”

Safe journey

Jamal and his family experienced a safe journey to Egypt, thanks to the security provided by the Sudanese Armed Forces, who ensured the road was protected. Reflecting on their journey, Jamal recalled, “It took us approximately 13 hours to reach Halfa Valley, where we were warmly welcomed. The hospitality we received there alleviated our tensions and made us feel at home. The people of Halfa graciously opened their homes, mosques, and even the sports field for us, arranging them to accommodate those who were forced to flee the war in Khartoum.”

According to Jamal, the cooperation between the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Sudanese Consulate in Halfa was remarkable. They worked together to ensure a smooth and expedited visa process for those seeking refuge. Jamal stated, “After spending four days in Halfa, we were able to continue our journey to Cairo, where we felt safe and welcomed.”

Issue with the RSF

Some believe the reason behind the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is the existence of the RSF itself. However, Jamal, as a retired army officer and a member of the National Democratic Alliance, holds the belief that the issue lies not in the formation of the RSF, which was established during Omar Al-Bashir's rule, but rather in allowing the RSF to expand and operate as a parallel force to the Sudanese army, incorporating fighters from West African countries such as Chad, Mali, and Niger. Having served in the military himself, Jamal believes that any official armed forces should exclusively represent the country's diversity to avoid serious dysfunction.

Jamal specifically highlighted the international engagements of the RSF as part of the problem. “The RSF has involved itself in conflicts beyond our borders, such as its participation in the war in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition Forces, assisting the European Union in combating migration from Africa to Europe, and supporting Russia with gold,” Jamal said, adding that these international connections have strengthened the RSF's position in the ongoing war.

Collective Sudanese desire 

Jamal thinks that the Sudanese people are exhausted and yearn for a change that may bring stability, prosperity, and a brighter future. Their collective desire for a new political scene reflects their weariness with the past and their hope for a better Sudan. “After enduring 30 years of conflicts, corruption, and international interference, the people of Sudan have reached a breaking point. They are longing for a new political landscape with fresh faces untainted by the destructive history of the country,” Jamal concluded.