In a makeshift clinic in Sudan's capital, a young woman named Amal Abdelazeem is working tirelessly to treat both fighters and civilians amidst the ongoing civil war. Despite lacking formal medical training, she has taken on the role of a caregiver, managing gunshot wounds and other injuries as wounded individuals arrive at the clinic.
The environment is fraught with danger, with drones flying overhead and snipers positioned on rooftops. Abdelazeem describes the harrowing experience of working under such conditions, stating, “I’m a different person now,” reflecting on her transformation since the onset of the conflict.
Abdelazeem was part of a generation that once envisioned a brighter future for Sudan, having participated in protests that led to the ousting of a dictator in 2019. However, the civil war that erupted last year has drastically altered the landscape, forcing many young Sudanese, including Abdelazeem, to confront painful choices as they navigate a conflict they never wanted.
As the war escalated, Abdelazeem found herself trapped in a neighborhood controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a paramilitary group engaged in combat with Sudan’s military. With no resources to flee, she faced a series of difficult decisions, including the separation of her family, as one brother was detained by the R.S.F. and another joined their ranks.
Abdelazeem's determination led her to a job at a private clinic, where she treated injured fighters and local residents. Despite the risks, she found purpose in her work, often improvising medical techniques and learning on the job. The clinic became a target for military strikes, with nearly half of all hospitals in the capital reported as damaged due to the conflict.
Her family’s situation deteriorated as her mother fell ill and passed away. Abdelazeem sold her possessions to survive and took on the role of caregiver at the clinic, which served both fighters and civilians. The conditions were dire, and she witnessed numerous atrocities, including a fighter being shot dead when a doctor could not save him.
Eventually, the clinic was forced to shut down after drone strikes, prompting Abdelazeem to flee with her family to Port Sudan, a city that has become a refuge for many displaced by the war. They found temporary shelter in a crowded university hostel, where conditions were poor and tensions ran high among the displaced individuals.
Despite the challenges, Abdelazeem remains resilient, reflecting on the complexities of war and the lack of clear heroes or villains. She continues to worry about her brother Mohamed, who has joined the R.S.F., expressing a desire to help him despite the risks and difficulties she faces.
Abdelazeem's story highlights the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on individuals and families in Sudan, illustrating the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the crossfire.