Traders from Omdurman market in Khartoum City have initiated a project to rehabilitate and revive the market following the end of military operations in the area.
After standing for more than a century, the market has been destroyed and looted.
The armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan entered its second year, with no signs of ending soon. The war has caused severe humanitarian catastrophe, destroyed key infrastructure, and constrained trade and production activities.
.Shihab Al-Waleed, one of the initiative’s founders, informed Radio Tamazuj, “Thirty percent of the market has been completely destroyed, and seventy percent has been burned and looted extensively due to shelling.”
He disclosed that the initiative commenced two months ago with the assistance of fellow traders who were able to access the market under the protection of the Sudanese Armed Forces, which had significantly improved security in the area.
Al-Waleed mentioned that bodies had been left in the market for a month and a half before its liberation, and these were removed by the Red Crescent Society. Furthermore, the Signal Corps aided in clearing remnants of shells and ammunition.
He noted that they have reached out to other traders operating in the market, who have begun renovating their shops and have pledged to reopen them a week before the upcoming Eid al-Adha. Several shops have already been refurbished, with some receiving a fresh coat of paint.
He further stated, “Goods will be transported from the city of Shendi in the Nile River State to Sabreen Station in Karari locality of Omdurman, and then delivered to the market.” He stressed that the route is smooth and easily accessible.
Al-Waleed mentioned that members of the initiative have visited the market twice and are awaiting an increase in the number of traders to proceed with the reopening. He assured that there are no longer any remnants of shells or bullets, and there is no threat to the market’s operations.