Unexploded Shells Threaten Families Returning to Khartoum Amid Sudan Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has caused widespread environmental damage and a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in Khartoum and other central and western regions. As families return to recaptured areas, they face the hidden danger of unexploded shells and ammunition littering homes, schools, and streets, posing a significant threat to civilian safety. Clearance efforts by Sudanese and U.N. teams have destroyed over 12,000 explosive devices, with thousands more discovered, but these operations are hampered by resource shortages, including cuts in U.S. aid. Civilians, including volunteers, are often left to manage dangerous clearance work themselves, with recent incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities, such as the case of a 16-year-old who lost his arm due to an explosion while clearing rubble. The conflict's environmental impact extends beyond immediate combat zones, affecting food security, infrastructure, and neighboring countries, raising concerns about regional destabilization. International support is urgently needed to address both the explosive remnants and the broader humanitarian and environmental consequences of the war.