The Hidden Cost of War: A Reading of the Environmental Landscape in Khartoum State| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum (Sudanow)

Amid a war that has reshaped the features of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, the damage extends far beyond infrastructure and human loss to encompass the environment—the very foundation of life and stability. With mounting waste, deteriorating vegetation cover, and a disrupted ecological balance, a silent crisis is emerging—one whose consequences may persist for years to come. In this context, engaging with relevant authorities becomes essential to understand the scale of the damage, assess recovery efforts, and anticipate the future of the environment in the post-war phase.

In this interview conducted by Sudanow, Ghada Hussein Al-Awad Hassan, Secretary-General of the Higher Council for Environment and Urban and Rural Development in Khartoum State, presents a comprehensive overview of the current environmental situation after three years of war. With over fifteen years of expertise in environmental management, strategic assessment, and waste management, she has held several leadership positions and contributed to the implementation of sustainable projects, most notably supervising the Green Belt initiative. She has also played a key role in developing environmental policies and applying international standards. Through this discussion, she highlights the major challenges, ongoing mitigation efforts, and overlooked threats that demand urgent attention.

What are the most significant environmental damages caused by the war so far?

The most prominent impact of the war is the accumulation of large quantities of waste of various types, including debris, solid waste, and residues from informal mining activities. In addition, there has been widespread encroachment on vegetation cover and indiscriminate deforestation, posing a serious environmental threat—particularly in the context of global climate change.

The degradation of vegetation has led to a noticeable rise in temperatures across the state, as currently observed. It has also increased the movement of dust and sand, which trees previously acted as natural barriers against, directly affecting air quality.

Has there been any recorded pollution resulting from weapons or hazardous military remnants?

No pollution from hazardous military remnants has been officially recorded. However, a significant number of landmines and unexploded ordnance used by the Rapid Support Forces militia have been discovered.

The National Mine Action Center, in coordination with relevant authorities, has conducted comprehensive surveys across the state, removing most of these hazards. Specialized committees continue to receive reports and address them promptly and professionally.

Are there areas that have become environmentally uninhabitable?

According to current assessments, all areas within Khartoum State remain environmentally suitable for habitation, with no environmental threats preventing the return of residents.

How has the war affected sources of drinking water?

Water stations were damaged during the war. However, following the liberation of Khartoum in May 2025, extensive efforts were made to rehabilitate and restore operations through the combined work of the state government, the Environmental Rehabilitation Committee, and the Khartoum Water Corporation.

Efforts included reactivating Nile-based water stations, drilling wells in underserved areas, and introducing solar and electrical power systems. Water services have now been restored to over 90%, supported by generators and alternative energy networks to ensure continuity.

Are there risks of diseases linked to environmental pollution?

No diseases directly linked to environmental pollution have been recorded, except for outbreaks of dengue fever and malaria. These have been largely contained by the Ministry of Health through intensive vector control campaigns.

Environmental awareness programs have also been implemented, emphasizing the importance of citizens’ return and participation in eliminating breeding grounds, such as overgrown vegetation and stagnant water within residential areas.

What measures are in place to handle medical waste, military waste, and accumulated human remains?

Medical waste: Managed by the Khartoum State Cleaning Authority through structured programs. Waste is collected, treated, and disposed of at the Abu Waledat landfill. Some hospitals are equipped with medical incinerators. Despite ongoing efforts, there remains a need for additional equipment and high-capacity incinerators.

Human remains: A specialized committee comprising multiple entities, including forensic medicine, the Ministry of Health, and the Red Crescent, has been formed. Most bodies have been collected from various locations according to organized plans.

Military waste: Handled by the National Mine Action Center and relevant security authorities.

Are there comparative data on the environmental situation before and after the war?

The Higher Council for Environment plans to conduct a comprehensive environmental study in 2026, which will be compared to a previous study conducted in 2013, in order to accurately assess environmental changes.

What is the “silent” environmental threat that the public may be overlooking?

The most critical overlooked threat is the indiscriminate cutting of vegetation, particularly in the Green Belt, for use as fuel. This leads to soil degradation, increased desertification, loss of biodiversity, and rising temperatures.

In your view, how long could environmental recovery take in the worst-case scenario?

Environmental recovery after war is a long and complex process, especially given the scale of damage to infrastructure. Restoring vegetation cover alone may take years. Additionally, the sanitation sector has lost more than 900 vehicles, and transfer stations and final disposal sites have been destroyed.

Without sufficient support from international and regional organizations, as well as the private sector, recovery could take a prolonged period. This underscores the need for coordinated efforts between government institutions and the public.

Conclusion

The environmental situation in Khartoum State is no less severe than the battles fought on the ground. It is a delayed war—slow in impact, yet deeply rooted. This discussion places us before a real test of the state’s and society’s ability to restore the lost balance between humans and their environment.

Environmental recovery is not a luxury—it is an existential necessity dictated by present challenges and future threats. Either this path is built on scientific vision, political will, and conscious community participation, or environmental degradation will continue silently until it becomes more costly and complex.

Today, the challenge in Khartoum State lies in building a more resilient, just, and sustainable environmental reality—one in which nature is not another victim of war, but a partner in recovery and peacebuilding.

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