A rare moment of calm and unity unfolded in Khartoum as residents gathered in the streets of the war-scarred capital to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan, offering a glimpse of hope amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Nearly three years ago, fighting erupted in this very city. Now, after the army regained control last March, daily life is gradually returning, offering a fragile sense of normality.
“Things are improving compared to before. Thank God, those in charge of Sanhori Mosque have revived our cherished memories and the joyful moments we once shared; they have given us hope,” said a resident, Ahmed Dafaa Allah.
For Iftar, men brought dishes to share, sitting together on mats laid out along the street, while women remained at home for the evening meal.
Such communal gatherings would have been unimaginable when the Rapid Support Forces controlled the city.
“Last Ramadan, there were no more than two families. Today, 13 families are breaking the fast together on just one street,” said Abdelkader Omar.
Although many families fled during the height of the violence, increasing numbers are now returning to their homes across Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri — the three cities that form the Sudanese capital.
Nonetheless, significant challenges persist.
The government says it is working to rehabilitate infrastructure, restore essential services, and repair water and electricity networks. However, residents continue to grapple with soaring prices.
The Sudanese pound has depreciated sharply, falling from around 570 to the US dollar before the war to about 3,500 on the black market in 2026.
While fruit and vegetables are available at Khartoum’s central market, many residents can no longer afford them.
“People complain about the prices; they say they are outrageous. You can find almost everything, but the cost keeps rising,” said Mohamed, a market trader.
Even as fighting intensifies in other regions, including Kordofan and Darfur, many residents of the capital say they are simply grateful to be back home.
Africanews/Hauwa M.