Residents of Allafah, a neighborhood located about 40 kilometers south of Khartoum, expressed relief and joy as army soldiers reclaimed the area from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

The community, which includes the now-destroyed Allafah market—once one of the largest markets in the region—has endured significant hardship since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023.

Burai Abdel Moneim, a local lawyer, shared his sentiments about the dire conditions they faced: “We were living a life without life. We ate and drank, but we did not feel alive in all aspects.” His words reflect the pervasive fear and uncertainty that have gripped the area during the conflict.

On Thursday, residents celebrated the arrival of army forces, with Nawal Abdul Aziz expressing her gratitude: “Thank God, the army has come to us. We are happy; we went out to cheer and praise God. We couldn’t believe the army had arrived because we had lived through an extremely difficult state.”

The ongoing war has devastated Sudan’s capital and other urban centers across the country, resulting in over 28,000 deaths and displacing millions from their homes. On Wednesday, Sudan’s army announced it had recaptured Khartoum’s international airport, marking a significant milestone as military chief returned to the capital for the first time in nearly two years.

As of Saturday, the military further consolidated its control over Khartoum by retaking additional key government buildings just a day after regaining control of the Republican Palace. However, scattered RSF positions remain within Khartoum, and the government has yet to declare full victory over the city. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to navigate this complex and violent conflict.

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