大象传媒

To live in Sudan is to have experienced violence, protest, dictatorship, political instability and upheaval. But the scale of fighting during the last week has shocked many.

Caught in the middle have been the people, as residential areas have been pummelled by missiles. Amid the crossfire, they have faced no power and no food and have had to decide whether to remain hiding in their homes or risk going outside.

Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world; it is also the third largest country in Africa and stretches across an unstable and geopolitically vital region. What happens there ripples out across its many borders. Internationally, widespread concern has been expressed with several calls for a stop to the fighting.

But as ceasefires have been announced, they have failed to hold and the fierce clashes have continued between the two sides of Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Throughout the past week, we have been hearing first-hand experiences: three women from Khartoum - Dallia, Sara and Enass - share their personal situations and concerns with host James Reynolds.

Hospitals have also come under attack, and there have been issues with the supply of drugs, medicines and aid. We also hear from a Sudanese doctor and nurse, who tell us about the difficulties of trying to provide care while gunfire is happening around them.

(Photo: People gather at the station to flee from Khartoum during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan April 19, 2023. Credit: El-Tayeb Siddig/Reuters)