The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now stretching into its second year, continues to reshape daily life for millions. A recent podcast episode from the Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP) sheds light on the experiences of residents in Khartoum’s Burri neighborhood, offering a ground-level perspective on resilience, aid negotiation, and the historical roots of urban warfare. The episode features an interview with Niema Alhessen, a Sudanese researcher whose operate details the siege of Burri by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the subsequent struggle for survival within the community.
Alhessen’s research, published in the Winter 2025 issue of Middle East Report as “Burri Under Siege—How War Remade Everyday Life in a Sudanese Neighborhood,” focuses on the period between April 2023, when fighting erupted between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and March 2025, when SAF forces regained control of the city. Burri, strategically important due to its proximity to key political and military institutions, became a focal point of the conflict. Alhessen’s work highlights how residents navigated the siege, establishing informal support networks and engaging in complex negotiations with both warring factions to secure essential aid. This localized response, born out of necessity, underscores the strength and adaptability of Sudanese communities in the face of extreme adversity.
The Siege of Burri: A Community Under Pressure
The conflict in Sudan, which began on April 15, 2023, stemmed from a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the SAF, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the RSF. Reuters reports that the fighting quickly spread from Khartoum to other regions, triggering a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions. Burri, a densely populated neighborhood in central Khartoum, found itself directly in the line of fire. Alhessen’s research details how the RSF’s siege disrupted essential services, leaving residents to rely on makeshift institutions and mutual aid networks to survive.
Residents of Burri demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, organizing themselves to provide food, water, and medical care. Alhessen’s interviews reveal a complex system of negotiation with both the RSF and SAF, as residents sought to secure access to aid and ensure the safety of their families. This involved navigating a dangerous landscape of shifting alliances and competing demands, highlighting the precariousness of their situation. The researcher’s work emphasizes that the ability to procure aid wasn’t simply about logistical challenges, but also about understanding the power dynamics at play and building relationships with those in control.
Historical Roots of Urban Conflict in Khartoum
Alhessen’s analysis extends beyond the immediate crisis, delving into the historical context of urban conflict in Khartoum. Her research points to the legacy of British colonial rule under the Anglo-Egyptian condominium in the late 19th century as a key factor in the militarization of the city’s streets. Marina D’Errico’s work, “The Urban Fabric Between Tradition and Modernity (1885–1956): Omdurman, Khartoum, and the British Master Plan of 1910,” further explores this historical dimension, detailing how colonial urban planning contributed to the city’s vulnerability to conflict. D’Errico’s research, published by De Gruyter in 2023, highlights the lasting impact of colonial infrastructure and spatial organization on contemporary urban dynamics in Sudan.
The historical militarization of Khartoum, rooted in colonial strategies of control, created a precedent for the use of urban spaces as battlegrounds. This legacy, combined with more recent political and economic factors, has contributed to the city’s susceptibility to conflict. Alhessen’s work suggests that understanding this historical context is crucial for addressing the root causes of the current crisis and building a more peaceful future for Khartoum.
The Human Cost and Ongoing Challenges
The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. According to the United Nations, as of February 2026, over 8.2 million people have been displaced, both internally and across borders. UNHCR data reveals that the majority of those displaced are women and children, facing heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and malnutrition. The situation in Burri, while improved since the SAF regained control in March 2025, remains precarious, with residents grappling with the aftermath of the siege and the challenges of rebuilding their lives.
The MERIP podcast episode, recorded on March 4, 2026, features a discussion between Alhessen, MERIP’s Executive Director James Ryan, and co-host Deen Sharp, an LSE Fellow in Human Geography. The conversation delves into the complexities of the situation in Burri, exploring the resilience of the community and the challenges of providing humanitarian assistance in a conflict zone. The podcast also highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of Sudanese researchers and activists who are working to understand and address the root causes of the conflict.
Further resources for understanding the conflict in Sudan include Ali Al-Arash’s article, “Bread, Books, and Bombs: Burri’s Spirit of Resistance, Knowledge, and Solidarity,” published by ATAR Network in May 2025, which provides a powerful account of community organizing and resistance in Burri. The Khartoum podcast by Studio Urban offers ongoing coverage of the situation on the ground, and Khalid Mustafa Medani’s analysis, “The Struggle for Sudan,” published by MERIP in Spring 2024, provides a broader overview of the political and economic factors driving the conflict.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Stability
The situation in Sudan remains volatile, with ongoing clashes reported in various regions. Efforts to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate a political transition have stalled, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a return to civilian rule, but progress has been slow. The long-term stability of Sudan will depend on addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including political grievances, economic inequalities, and historical injustices.
Niema Alhessen’s research underscores the importance of understanding the local dynamics of the conflict and amplifying the voices of those most affected. By focusing on the experiences of residents in Burri, her work provides valuable insights into the resilience of Sudanese communities and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives. The MERIP podcast episode serves as a crucial platform for sharing this knowledge and raising awareness about the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
The next key development to watch will be the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the SAF and the RSF, mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). As of March 9, 2026, no breakthrough has been announced, but talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Stay informed about the situation in Sudan through reputable news sources and humanitarian organizations. You can also support organizations providing aid to those affected by the conflict by donating to verified charities working on the ground.
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