Tuti Island, situated on the Nile River in Khartoum, has always been described as the “gem” or the leisure destination for Sudanese. However, its situation has changed since mid-April, following the outbreak of the intense conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Emergency Lawyers, a group of Sudanese lawyers who monitor and track human rights violations in Sudan, said that health and living conditions for the island’s residents have worsened.
They attribute this to a blockade on the island and restrictions on the movement of citizens and consumer goods, leading to a deterioration in living conditions.
Emergency Lawyers also pointed out that Tuti Island has been besieged since the early days of the war, and the bridge, which is the only overland route connecting the island to the capital cities, is closed.
The risks associated with using river transportation via boats have led to starvation among the citizens, resulting in deaths due to the lack of healthcare, medication, and food, according to local media reports.
That suffering worsened due to a two-month power outage and water cuts, prompting citizens to drink directly from wells and the Nile. This led to the spread of malaria and diarrhea.
Tuti Island has long been a refuge for Sudanese people seeking to escape the harshness of life and a place for recreation. Located in the heart of the capital, Tuti boasts many elements of natural beauty, with abundant water and greenery featuring lemon and mango trees.
The conflict has exacerbated economic and humanitarian conditions for citizens in the three capital cities and the Darfur region. It has led to a shortage of food and medicine in Khartoum and other cities, compelling over five million people to flee their homes.