Amal Abdelazeem, a 26-year-old Sudanese woman, represents the dreams and despair of a generation deeply impacted by Sudan’s turbulent history. Once a university graduate with ambitions tied to the revolutionary spirit that ousted long-time president Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Amal’s life took a drastic turn due to Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
When violence erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, Amal found herself in Omdurman, where she was compelled to take on the unexpected role of a frontline medic. Despite having no formal medical training, she transformed a humble space into a makeshift clinic, providing life-saving care to civilians and fighters alike.
The conditions were harrowing. With limited medical supplies and the constant threat of airstrikes, Amal relied on resourcefulness and courage. “We used anything we could find to help,” she explained, detailing how she improvised bandages and treated injuries. Her work extended beyond medical aid, as she became a lifeline for her community amid the chaos.
Trapped in an RSF-controlled area, Amal and her family faced constant danger and suspicion. Her resilience was tested when she lost her mother to illness and her brother was detained by the RSF. Despite these hardships, Amal continued her work, earning the respect of those she served.
In late 2024, Amal and her family fled to Port Sudan, joining over 5.6 million people displaced by the war. Her journey underscores the profound human cost of Sudan’s conflict and the resilience of those determined to survive. Amal’s story reflects the struggles faced by countless others in a war that has upended lives, destroyed homes, and left the future of Sudan in question.
The conflict, which began as a power struggle between military factions, has devolved into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Despite international calls for peace, the violence continues, leaving people like Amal to navigate the wreckage of their shattered dreams while clinging to hope for a better future.