Families return to Khartoum amid UXO threat

After the army regained control of Khartoum, thousands of families began returning to their homes, schools, and shops.

But amid the rubble, a new danger is threatening their safety: unexploded ammunition left behind by the conflict. Many buildings are littered with shells, missiles, and other explosives that remain hidden under debris.

In Khartoum’s Amarat district, a 62-year-old man, Abdelaziz Ali, who used to work at a local school, found an unexploded shell buried beneath old cloth in the school grounds.

“How wouldn't I be afraid? Every day I find two containers filled with ammunition and RPG rockets and other explosives," he said.

"This is a school, a children’s school." His discovery highlights the ongoing risk that innocent civilians face as they return.

Sudanese and United Nations clearance teams are working to remove these dangers, but their efforts are limited by a shortage of staff and funds, worsened by recent cuts in U.S. aid. Since the army took back control in late March, over 100,000 people have come back to the city.

However, unexploded devices remain widespread, with many found in streets and homes.

More than 12,000 explosive devices have been cleared so far, according to Sudan’s National Mine Action Centre director, Major-General Khaled Hamdan.

Still, thousanarefully to collect the shells, sometimes placing them in old suitcases or cushioned trucks for transport.

Helow Abdullah, who leads a volunteer team in Omdurman’s Umbada neighborhood, said, "We have received a lot of requests and worked on them. Every day, we have around 10 to 15 requests."

The United Nations Mine Action Programme, once close to shutting down due to lack of funding, was saved by new support from Canada.

But teams still struggle with travel restrictions and have only begun to address the problem, especially in areas beyond Khartoum.

A tragic example is the case of 16-year-old Muazar, who lost his left arm and suffered serious injuries when a shell exploded unexpectedly while his family was clearing rubble at their home on Tuti Island.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s army chief has appointed Kamil Idris, a former United Nations official and presidential candidate, as prime minister of the military-led government.

A new civilian prime minister and government reshuffle are expected following the army’s recapture of the capital.