Sudan has a population of 46 million people, with 61.5% under the age of 25, making it a youthful society. This characteristic has significant economic and social implications. The Sudanese society is characterized by cohesion, solidarity, and compassion among its members, with the family as the nucleus of this society.

Historically, Sudan has been targeted due to its unique features and resources, which have led to conflicts and wars. As a result, its people have seldom enjoyed these resources. Sudanese families across different states have been affected by varying degrees of conflict and security disturbances, ranging from direct physical harm, death, orphanhood, and widowhood to indirect impacts such as reduced state resources for health, education, essential services, and infrastructure, all of which affect the quality of life and citizen welfare.

However, this time, the war is occurring within the capital, Khartoum, with its three cities and some other cities, unlike previous wars that took place in the outskirts and rural areas such as the south, Darfur, or eastern Sudan. Since the capital and its three cities are the centers of power and governance, the outbreak of war in the densely populated capital leads to catastrophic results in terms of the number of dead and injured and the extent of destruction to public and private infrastructure and properties.

The outbreak of war in the densely populated capital has led to catastrophic results in terms of the number of dead and injured.

Additionally, the devastating impact of this war is due to its extermination nature, aimed at completely altering the population composition by replacing it with groups brought in from neighboring African countries in an unprecedented demographic replacement process. To achieve this goal, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia has worked to disperse families through horrific and systematic violence, resulting in the following outcomes:

First: Social Impact

The first crack in the cohesive social fabric of Sudan began with the displacement from the capital, Khartoum. Citizens fled towards safer states, and they faced significant hardships as they moved to areas that were not prepared to accommodate such a large influx of people. Militias invaded and looted citizens' homes, taking everything of value.

The stories of those fleeing the war were filled with tales of brutality, directed at a people known for their peace, compassion, and solidarity. In one instance, rebels entered the home of a family that had not fled their neighborhood, expressing surprise at their decision to stay. The family explained that their elderly, sick grandfather was the reason for their stay, as they could not leave him behind. The rebels responded by shooting the grandfather and telling the rest of the family to leave immediately, saying, “We've relieved you of him!”

During the forced displacement journey, the militia kidnapped young girls and women, raping some and enslaving others. These women were forced to cook, wash clothes, and clean for the militias. Some were taken as captives; among them were doctors who were on duty in hospitals when the militia invaded. These captives were sold in militia-controlled areas within certain states and even in neighboring countries.

The first crack in the cohesive social fabric of Sudan began with the displacement from the capital, Khartoum, to safer states.

Those fleeing the hell of murder, captivity, assault, torture, and brutality stepped into the unknown. The militia confiscates everything and forces families to walk for days, during which the weak—elderly, children, and the sick—die from the tough journey. Those who survive continue their path into the unknown, with the lingering question: Where to?

The new destination is likely a small city with limited services or an even smaller village with resources barely sufficient for its own residents. The survivors arrived at these destinations frightened, exhausted, hungry, and destitute. They are received by some households, families, or schools and public facilities, where they endure the worst.

Those who chose to seek refuge by crossing borders into neighboring countries faced the same previous sufferings, compounded by the long journey, the anxiety of crossing borders, and the humiliation of being refugees. Many families lost their identification documents, rendering them literally without identity. Children became orphans, women widowed, and mothers bereaved, with homes, savings, and jobs lost. Most families are now enduring harsh conditions in terms of living arrangements, economic status, and health.

Second: Economic Impact

Sudan has suffered from decades of blockade, economic sanctions, and depletion through wars and conflicts. However, this war specifically targeted the citizens' properties, impoverishing families in the same manner it impoverished the state by attacking all its capabilities.

During the displacement journey, the “Rapid Support Forces” militia kidnaps young girls, raping some and enslaving others.

Perhaps the most significant investment known to Sudanese families is in the education of their children, with families directing most of their resources towards this effort. Over the past three decades, significant achievements have been made in higher education institutions and the in the number of graduates. However, this war targeted schools, universities, and research centers, disrupting education. Students have lost two academic years, and the future remains uncertain.

Third: Psychological Impact

Displacement, losing one's home and family members, and being separated from parents have long-term effects on children's development that persist into adulthood. Children's health is significantly at risk during wars; some are killed or brutally tortured, while others suffer severe injuries. Many children lose their parents, siblings, and friends, often leaving orphans to live on the streets. This results in the following:

• Anxiety, Loneliness, and Insecurity: Many children living in conflict zones have lost their homes and been displaced from their neighborhoods, leading to turmoil, depression, and anxiety among war-affected children.
• Emotional Withdrawal: Over time, children exposed to multiple sources of violence may become indifferent and emotionally numb, increasing the likelihood of imitating the aggressive behavior they witness and considering this violence normal.
• Psychosomatic Symptoms: High levels of stress manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, breathing difficulty, and, in some cases, a temporary loss of movement in their limbs.
• Self-Harm: In some cases, children see no other option but to try to escape their circumstances and environment by using drugs or even engaging in self-harm and suicide.

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