The Ruins of a Dream: Inside Sudan's Sniper Stronghold

Amidst the ruins of a luxury apartment building overlooking the Blue Nile, Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan commands his sniper team as they battle the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This article explores the stark remnants of life before conflict and the relentless struggle for power in Sudan's capital.

In one image, the story of conflict and resilience unfolds. A sniper's nest, once part of a luxurious apartment, now stands as a grim reminder of Sudan's tumultuous journey through a military coup and civil war. The commander, Sgt. Maj. Ismail Hassan, observes the opposition—paramilitary Rapid Support Forces—across the Blue Nile, just a stone’s throw from the presidential palace.

The top-floor apartment where Hassan positions his men has been marred by the toll of warfare; walls are stained, and the absence of light bulbs—either taken by looters or soldiers—marks an eerie vigilance against being targeted. Whereas soft furnishings once adorned the space, now only bare essentials remain, including a mattress for rest hidden deeper within the building's confines.

The snapshot taken on March 12, 2025, reveals layers of strife: four years prior, the area was a glimpse of hope for democratic progression. But following the coup and nearly two years of brutal civil conflict, the northern bank of the river has transformed into a front line. With the military's recent counteroffensive reclaiming portions of the city, including the presidential palace, hopes of restoration flicker against the backdrop of destruction.

Yet, while the army celebrates its advances, experts warn that the end to the violence is nowhere near. With much of Khartoum reduced to a scorched landscape, the scars of war echo through its streets, leaving its future hanging precariously in the balance. Report contributed by Declan Walsh.