How are Sudanese volunteers keeping Khartoum alive amidst war?

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Sudanese Volunteers are Sustaining Khartoum Through Extensive Mutual Aid Networks Amidst War

Amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudanese civilians have established extensive volunteer networks to sustain life in Khartoum. These networks encompass critical services such as medical aid, food provision, and the dignified handling of the deceased, demonstrating a profound community response to the devastation. Thousands of individuals are engaged in these life-saving and support activities across the nation, with particularly visible efforts in the capital.
Medical Support and Emergency Response

Volunteers are stepping into critical roles within the healthcare system, often operating under extreme duress. Nasser, a 24-year-old who transitioned from economics student to pharmacist and now nurse, exemplifies this dedication at Al-Nao Hospital. He manages a free pharmacy and serves as a paramedic and trauma nurse, recalling harrowing experiences such as resuscitating a mother who ultimately died and treating a child with severe injuries. The volunteers' presence is vital in emergency rooms, where they perform triage amidst dire conditions, as seen after the February 2025 bombing at Sabreen market, which resulted in a surge of casualties overwhelming medical facilities.
Ensuring Food Security and Basic Needs

Addressing widespread hunger and deprivation, community kitchens, known as 'takkaya', are a cornerstone of volunteer efforts. Hoda Makki, 60, operates one such kitchen, waking in the early hours to prepare meals for those facing starvation, particularly during neighborhood sieges. These kitchens became essential for survival when entire areas were cut off. While Khartoum has become safer, economic devastation means many still rely on these services, though donations have led to reduced operating days for kitchens like Makki's.
Facilitating Burial Procedures and Identifying the Deceased

Mechanical engineer Ali Gebbai, 38, leads a team that has undertaken the somber task of shrouding and burying an estimated 7,000 individuals over three years. They retrieve bodies from active conflict zones, often posting images on social media to aid in identification by grieving families. The scale of this operation is immense; on the day of the Sabreen market bombing, Gebbai's team buried 54 bodies, some of which were severely fragmented. This meticulous and compassionate work provides a measure of dignity in the face of widespread loss.
Mobilisation Rooted in Community Activism

The spirit of volunteerism is deeply intertwined with the broader history of Sudanese activism. Many volunteers have origins in resistance committees that were instrumental in organizing pro-democracy protests. This background instills a strong sense of duty and a commitment to community support, compelling individuals to remain and contribute despite the risks. This dedication reflects a collective resolve to maintain essential services and human dignity, even when formal structures are overwhelmed or absent.

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How are Sudanese volunteers keeping Khartoum alive amidst war?

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