The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now stretching into its third year, continues to reshape daily life for millions. A recent episode of the MERIP Podcast features researcher Niema Alhessen, whose work offers a deeply human perspective on the war’s impact, specifically focusing on the experience of residents in Khartoum’s Burri neighborhood. Alhessen’s research, and the podcast discussion, highlight not only the brutality of the fighting but as well the remarkable resilience and resourcefulness of Sudanese communities facing extraordinary circumstances.
Alhessen’s article, “Burri Under Siege—How War Remade Everyday Life in a Sudanese Neighborhood,” published in the Winter 2025 issue of Middle East Report, details the experience of Burri, a strategically important area of Khartoum, as it came under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. The neighborhood, home to key political and military institutions, endured months of fighting before the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regained control in March 2025. Alhessen’s work isn’t simply a chronicle of destruction; it’s an examination of how residents maintained a semblance of normalcy – and even community – amidst the chaos.
Life Under Siege: Mutual Aid and Negotiation
Alhessen’s research, conducted through interviews with Burri residents, reveals a story of self-organization and adaptation. As formal systems of governance and aid delivery collapsed, residents established makeshift institutions and relied heavily on mutual aid networks to survive. These networks weren’t simply about sharing resources; they involved complex negotiations with both the RSF and SAF to secure access to essential supplies. Residents found themselves navigating a dangerous landscape, attempting to secure food, water, and medical care although avoiding being caught in the crossfire. The podcast episode delves into the intricacies of these negotiations, highlighting the agency and strategic thinking employed by ordinary citizens in extraordinary circumstances.
The podcast, recorded on March 4, 2026, features a discussion between Alhessen and James Ryan, Executive Director of MERIP, alongside co-host Deen Sharp, an LSE Fellow in Human Geography. The conversation explores the challenges of conducting research in a conflict zone and the ethical considerations involved in documenting the experiences of those directly affected by the war. Alhessen emphasizes the importance of centering the voices of Sudanese people in any analysis of the conflict, moving beyond simplistic narratives of political power struggles.
A History of Militarization
Alhessen’s analysis extends beyond the immediate crisis, tracing the roots of Khartoum’s vulnerability to conflict back to Sudan’s colonial history. She argues that the militarization of the city’s streets is not a recent phenomenon but rather a legacy of the Anglo-Egyptian condominium in the late nineteenth century. As detailed in her article, the urban fabric of Khartoum was shaped by colonial planning that prioritized security and control, laying the groundwork for the conflicts that continue to plague the city today. Marina D’Errico’s research, “The Urban Fabric Between Tradition and Modernity (1885–1956): Omdurman, Khartoum, and the British Master Plan of 1910,” further explores this historical context, examining the impact of British urban planning on the development of Khartoum and Omdurman.
This historical perspective is crucial for understanding the current conflict, Alhessen argues. It highlights the ways in which colonial legacies continue to shape political and social dynamics in Sudan, contributing to the cycles of violence and instability. Understanding this history is not simply an academic exercise; it’s essential for developing effective strategies for peacebuilding and reconciliation.
The situation in Burri, as documented by Alhessen and others, also reflects a broader pattern of resistance and solidarity across Sudan. Ali Al-Arash’s article, “Bread, Books, and Bombs: Burri’s Spirit of Resistance, Knowledge, and Solidarity,” published by ATAR Network, provides further insight into the community’s efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy and resist the forces of conflict.
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti. The power struggle stems from tensions over the integration of the RSF into the regular army, a key component of a planned transition to civilian rule following the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir. The fighting has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and facing severe food insecurity. According to the United Nations, as of November 2023, over 6.5 million people have been displaced both internally and across borders.
For those seeking further information and on-the-ground perspectives, the Khartoum podcast by Studio Urban offers a valuable resource.
Listen to the MERIP Podcast episode featuring Niema Alhessen here: https://embed.acast.com/685eb391653df36e7bde7c0a/69ae2cbc58d3d61b498c7329" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="190px
As the SAF continues to consolidate control over Khartoum, the immediate future remains uncertain. The focus is now shifting towards addressing the humanitarian crisis and initiating a political process that can lead to a lasting peace. The next key development will likely be the outcome of ongoing mediation efforts led by regional and international actors, with a particular emphasis on securing a ceasefire and facilitating the delivery of aid to those in need.
This is a developing story, and we encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
