Full Breakdown
Shelling at Abu Sitta School Highlights Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
1/24/2026, 8:24:00 AM
The Attack on Abu Sitta School
In August 2024, the Abu Sitta girls' school in el-Obeid, North Kordofan state, Sudan, was struck by shelling during school hours, resulting in the deaths of the English teacher and 13 classmates, while many others were injured. The incident occurred amidst ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. Eyewitness accounts from twins Makarem and Ikram detail the chaos as students sought cover from the shellfire. Makarem was injured, suffering a shoulder wound and a piece of shrapnel lodged in her head, while Ikram remained unharmed but was left searching for her sister amidst the panic.
Background of the Conflict
Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to over 150,000 deaths and displaced millions. The Kordofan region, rich in oil and strategically significant, has become a major battleground. Control over this area is crucial for both the RSF and the Sudanese army, as it influences access to the country's oil resources. The United Nations has classified the situation in Sudan as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with approximately 13 million of the 17 million school-age children out of school.
Impact on Education and Psychological Well-being
Following the attack, the Abu Sitta school was closed for three months for renovations. Upon reopening, students faced the challenge of returning to a site of trauma. Ikram noted the difficulty of confronting memories associated with the shelling, while the headteacher, Iman Ahmed, reported that psychological support was provided to help students cope. Despite the ongoing threat of violence, students demonstrated resilience, with some returning to school as an act of defiance in honor of their lost peers.
Current Conditions in El-Obeid
The situation for children in el-Obeid remains dire. The city experienced a siege by the RSF for over a year and a half, only regaining relative calm in February 2025. However, many schools have been repurposed as shelters for displaced individuals, complicating the educational environment. Ibtisam Ali, a student at one such converted school, described difficulties in accessing basic facilities due to the presence of displaced families. North Kordofan's Minister of Education, Walid Mohamed Al-Hassan, acknowledged the challenges posed by the war, including sanitation issues in schools.
Official Statements & Responses
The RSF has not commented on the shelling incident at the Abu Sitta school. Local authorities attribute the attack to the RSF, but it remains unclear whether the shelling was intentional. The humanitarian crisis continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to address the needs of displaced populations and restore educational opportunities for children in the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We took cover beside the wall and the girl who was standing in front of me put her hand on my shoulder and said: 'Your shoulder is bleeding.'” — Makarem, Survivor
- “I used to close my eyes on the way to class to avoid looking at the area where the shelling happened,” — Ikram, Survivor
- “the conditions of war and the cost of war” — Walid Mohamed Al-Hassan, Minister of Education in North Kordofan State
The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to have devastating effects on education and the well-being of children, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution.
