### back to Omdurman: Hope at the heart of desolation
The return of families displaced to Omdurman, an emblematic city west of Khartoum, symbolizes a glimmer of hope in the middle of the ashes of a conflict that ravaged Sudan for almost two years. While the month of Ramadan is settling in, this moment of penance and community takes on a particular dimension, because it is witness to a double challenge: that of rebuilding lives on deadly land and that of restoring normality in a context of persistent violence.
### An unrecognizable city: between ruins and resilience
Omdurman, who has recently been released from the yoke of the rapid support forces (RSF), presents a table that is both poignant and complex. The residents who come back, such as Owad Zayed, have to face houses cracked by the war, decorated with bullet holes, wrapped in debris and an annihilated economic activity. This return to often unrecognizable houses is reminiscent of other cities in the world having experienced prolonged conflicts, such as Aleppo in Syria or Falloujah in Iraq, where the struggle to rebuild beyond the physical is an equally crucial emotional and psychological dimension.
### Normality, a fragile promise
The observation of Yousef Abdul Qader illustrates a crucial turnover of the situation on the ground: “Every day, people return home, and life gradually returns to normal.” This normalization, however, remains fragile. The first prices of foodstuffs, which had soared during the conflict, begin to stabilize thanks to the reopening of the roads and a replenishment of the markets. In a comparative analysis of post-conflict economies, reconstruction cycles show that the first phases are often marked by persistent inflation, followed by a slow return to stability. This suggests that the community still faces economic challenges in the medium term, especially if security is not recovered in a sustainable way.
### Humanitarian commitment: a lifeline
The action of NGOs plays a decisive role in this transition period. Gaith Abdul Qader, who manages community cuisine, testifies to an encouraging development: “Last year, Omdurman was almost empty, but now, my team feeds dozens of people daily.” This essential support competes with those observed in other periods of humanitarian crisis, such as after earthquakes in Haiti or the Syrian refugee crisis, where similar initiatives have helped to overcome the first waves of despair.
### Military and institutional dynamics: a historic turning point
The conflict in Sudan is not limited to local dynamics alone; It is entangled in a network of wider geopolitical rivalries, often neglected. The recent advances in Sudanese Military Forces on RSF reflect a potential turning point in the fight for the control of government institutions. Researchers point out that the ability of a government to restore public order and relaunch the economy after a conflict is often determined by its perceived legitimacy. In this sense, the recovery of key sectors could not only restore confidence to citizens, but also establish a base for a sustainable democracy.
### towards collective resilience
The return to Omdurman and the celebration of Ramadan are crucial stages in a process of collective healing. This echoes the trend observed in many countries after crises, where spirituality and community rituals play a fundamental role in the redefinition of collective identity. Sociological research indicates that faith, as social cement, can strengthen resilience and promote local peace initiatives.
### Conclusion: a path still strewn with pitfalls
In short, the return of families to Omdurman is the bearer of hope, but it is also a reflection of the challenges to be overcome. The path to rehabilitation will last and require continuous mobilization, both at community and through adapted policies. While the inhabitants are preparing to observe Ramadan, their determination to find a normal life testifies not only to their resilience, but also of the promise of a better future, despite the indelible scars left by the war. The real question remains: how can internal and external actors be united to write a new page for Sudan, where peace, even fragile, finally prevail?