These Images Show A Closer Look At The Tragic Use of Arson In Sudan’s Ongoing War
The violence has plagued Sudan now for over a year, causing millions to lose their homes, attempt to flee to safety, and suffer various human right atrocities as they continue to naviagte the ongoing conflict that continues to take place across the country.
Since the eruption of the violence, arson has been used as a tool of conflict, and communities across Sudan have suffered the consequences.
A destructive tactic
@lovinkhartoum Keep eyes on Sudan 💔 Large fires seen today near Souq Al Shaabi! Updates captured via @amar_abu_shiba 🤳 #lovinkhartoum #lovinsudan #keepeyesonsudan #sudanwar #khartoum #mysudan ♬ original sound – Lovin Khartoum
Benjamin Strick and his team have been looking into the damage
An Investigation Director at the Center for Information Resilience, Benjamin has taken lead to shed light on the tragic reality by tracking and documenting incidents with the use of interactive maps, showing a comprehensive overview of the scale and impact of these devastating fires.
Google Earth has updated its satellite imagery of many parts of Sudan. Looking over West Darfur city of El Geneina, I am shocked at the level of destruction. In some parts, whole areas have been destroyed and cleared. Location: 13.4469, 22.4151 (dates: April 2023 & March 2024) pic.twitter.com/IiYpd0Cg9j
— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) April 22, 2024
For the majority of last year, Google Earth was unable to share updated live satellite images of Sudan
The last capture dated to the beginning of the conflict, on April 15, 2023.
the last google earth pics of sudan were taken on saturday the first day of the war. they even caught the airport burning. pic.twitter.com/8784Pzuuxf
— 🇸🇩➰🇾🇪 (@4no0s7) September 30, 2023
Before and after pictures show a grim example of the damage
In South Darfur, villages have been ravaged by flames amidst violence between the two armies. The photos below reveal the reality of the destruction of these communities.
This image shows the area around El Geneina’s Specialised Hospital in April 2023
And this shows it after, captured in March 2024
Flames continue to engulf communities across Sudan and South Sudan
Beyond awareness, concerted efforts are needed from international communities to help stop the violence and bring stability back to the country.
South West of Kubbum, in Southern Darfur, many villages appeared to have been burned during violence between warring militia siding with the RSF. We identified these last year, but have the clear imagery of the scale on recent Google Earth updates. pic.twitter.com/4DFlMuEJwg
— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) April 22, 2024
Special thanks to the tireless efforts of researchers like Benjamin, and home-grown organisations that have helped share valuable insights into the scope and severity of the crisis. Stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan!
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