Shelling at Sudanese School Leaves Students Grieving and Resilient

In Sudan, a recent tragic incident at Abu Sitta girls’ school in el-Obeid has cast a pall over the community as twin sisters Makarem and Ikram Osman experience the aftermath of violent shelling that took the lives of their classmates and teachers. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where conflict continues to disrupt the lives of countless citizens.

Why It Matters

The situation in Sudan is dire, with the civil war resulting in over 150,000 fatalities and millions displaced. The bombing at the school not only traumatizes students but also underscores the vulnerability of education institutions in conflict zones. This tragedy reflects a broader crisis affecting children throughout the region, where access to education has become perilously scarce amidst ongoing violence.

Key Developments

• On August 2024, Abu Sitta girls’ school in el-Obeid was hit by shelling, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
• 18-year-old twin sisters Makarem and Ikram were separated during the attack; while Ikram remained safe, Makarem suffered injuries, including shrapnel lodged in her head.
• The shelling left 14 individuals dead, including Makarem and Ikram’s English teacher, while many others were injured.
• Local residents, lacking a formal ambulance service, aided the injured, underscoring community solidarity in times of crisis.
• Educational facilities in el-Obeid are facing significant challenges, with many repurposed as shelters for displaced individuals.

Full Report

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

On a day that began like any other, the chaos erupted when shelling struck the Abu Sitta school. Makarem was attending an English class, while Ikram was in a science lesson when they heard unusual sounds before the explosions. In the ensuing panic, Makarem was injured, leaving her classmates scrambling for cover. A classmate quickly alerted her to her bleeding shoulder. Despite efforts to find each other, the sisters were initially unaware of each other’s conditions.

After being rushed to the hospital by local residents, who utilized cars and animal-drawn carts to transport the injured, Makarem’s family anxiously awaited her return. When she finally arrived home later that day, the moment was one of overwhelming relief for her family.

The Human Cost of Conflict

The aftermath of the attack saw the loss of many classmates and teachers, an experience Makarem described as devastating. In addition to physical wounds, she was left with emotional scars, as the attack claimed the lives of half of her friends. Diagnosed with a head injury days later, doctors discovered a piece of shrapnel lodged in her skull, causing persistent headaches. Makarem noted that she relied heavily on painkillers to manage her condition, stating the pain worsened during colder months.

Resilience Amidst Tragedy

Despite the traumatic events, the sisters found a renewed sense of purpose. Ikram, inspired by her deceased teacher, is now pursuing an English degree at university in el-Obeid. Makarem, although facing educational hurdles due to her injury, remains determined to become a doctor, drawing strength from the medical professionals who treated her.

The local education ministry has acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, which has seen schools converted into temporary shelters for displaced families. The headteacher of Abu Sitta school reported providing psychological support to students, assisting them in coping with the emotional toll of their experiences.

Context & Previous Events

Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023, which has led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The conflict has particularly ravaged the Kordofan region, which has been a critical battleground between various armed groups. With millions of school-age children out of an educational system that is struggling to operate, the effects of war on the youth of Sudan are profound and unsettling.

As Sudan grapples with ongoing instability, the resilience of students like Makarem and Ikram stands as a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure even in the darkest of times.