Deadly toll Civilians pay price of fighting

Research by doctors' group and relatives' accounts shed light on suffering and casualties over several weeks of conflict

- Zeinab Mohammed Salih

Hundreds of civilians have been killed and thousands injured in several weeks of fighting in Sudan between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese American Physicians Association (Sapa) recorded at least 828 civilian deaths and 3,688 injuries between 15 April and 23 May, though the true number of casualties is thought to be much higher.

The Sapa research demonstrates the geographical spread of the violence, and the price paid by civilians. Ceasefires have been in place on most days since fighting broke out, but they have routinely been broken by both sides.

More than 330 deaths and 2,300 injuries were recorded on days that were at least partially covered by ceasefires.

Mohammed Salah

Salah, a medical student at the Sudan University of Science and Technology, died in Khartoum on 15 April, the first day of hostilities, after being hit three times by sniper fire. The 21-yearold's day had started with the short drive from his home to Khartoum international airport, where the mother of one of his classmates had become stranded. On arrival, a second person asked for a lift.