Residents in War-Torn Sudan Hope to Reunite with Loved Ones in New Year”

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan, residents hold onto hope for peace and the chance to reunite with their families as the new year begins.

Since the conflict in Sudan began, countless individuals in the country continue to endure the anguish of uncertainty regarding their loved ones’ fates. Among them is Ahmed, whose son disappeared in 2023.

Ahmed suspects that he might have been detained or forced into military service.

“The disappearance of my son fills me with immense pain. I hold onto the hope that I’ll see him again soon. In my dreams, he often returns home, but upon waking, reality takes him away once more. I pray for a swift reunion,” he shares.

The war has also torn apart Muhammad’s family; his brother Osman disappeared when the conflict erupted in Omdurman.

Ahmed explains, “In terms of our feelings, Osman’s son is here in my arms. He’s been waiting for his father’s return since Osman disappeared when he was seven years old. Although he’s still a child and doesn’t fully comprehend the situation now, losing a father so suddenly is an incredibly painful experience for someone so young.”

Numerous attempts to find his brother through aid organizations and social media have been unsuccessful so far. However, Ahmed remains hopeful that 2025 will bring their reunion.

Ahmed expresses hope that, in the coming year, those who are missing will be able to return home and our nation can regain its safety and peace as it was before the war. He urges an end to conflict by appealing to both sides to prioritize the well-being of Sudanese citizens.

Since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and over a million people have fled the country.