Sudan’s Burri Neighborhood: Life Under Siege & Urban Conflict – MERIP Podcast

The latest episode of the MERIP Podcast features Sudanese researcher Niema Alhessen, whose work examines the impact of conflict on urban life in Khartoum. Alhessen’s research, stemming from her article “Burri Under Siege—How War Remade Everyday Life in a Sudanese Neighborhood,” published in the Winter 2025 issue of Middle East Report, offers a granular appear at how residents navigated the siege of Burri, a strategically important Khartoum neighborhood, during the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The podcast, recorded on March 4, 2026, delves into the resilience of communities and the historical roots of militarization in Sudan’s capital.

Alhessen’s work focuses on Burri, a central Khartoum neighborhood that became a focal point in the fighting that erupted in April 2023. The neighborhood’s significance lies in its proximity to key political and military institutions, making it a prime target for the RSF. The siege lasted until March 2025, when SAF forces regained control. Alhessen’s research, based on interviews with Burri residents, highlights how communities established informal support networks and negotiated with both warring factions to secure essential aid. Her analysis extends beyond the immediate conflict, tracing the militarization of Khartoum back to Sudan’s colonial past under the Anglo-Egyptian condominium in the late 19th century.

Urban Warfare and the Colonial Legacy

The podcast episode, hosted by MERIP’s Executive Director James Ryan and co-host Deen Sharp, an LSE Fellow in Human Geography, underscores the complexities of urban warfare and its impact on civilian populations. Alhessen’s research reveals that the conflict wasn’t simply a clash between armies, but a disruption of everyday life that forced residents to adapt, and innovate. The establishment of “makeshift institutions and mutual aid” networks became crucial for survival, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for self-organization in the face of adversity. This echoes observations made by Ali Al-Arash in his ATAR Network article, “Bread, Books, and Bombs: Burri’s Spirit of Resistance, Knowledge, and Solidarity,” which details the community’s resilience and commitment to knowledge and solidarity during the siege.

Crucially, Alhessen’s work connects the current conflict to Sudan’s colonial history. The militarization of Khartoum’s streets, she argues, isn’t a recent phenomenon but has deep roots in the British colonial administration’s strategies for controlling the city. Marina D’Errico’s research, detailed in “The Urban Fabric Between Tradition and Modernity (1885–1956): Omdurman, Khartoum, and the British Master Plan of 1910,” published in Ordinary Sudan, 1504–2019, provides further context on the historical development of Khartoum’s urban landscape and the influence of British urban planning. This historical perspective is vital for understanding the current dynamics of the conflict and the challenges of reconstruction.

The Stakes for Sudan’s Future

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, pits the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti). The power struggle stems from disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the SAF and the future of Sudan’s political transition following the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the country, leading to widespread displacement, a humanitarian crisis, and a breakdown of essential services. According to the United Nations, millions of Sudanese have been displaced both internally and across borders, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Chad and South Sudan.

The situation in Burri, as highlighted by Alhessen’s research, exemplifies the broader challenges facing Sudan. The neighborhood’s experience underscores the vulnerability of urban populations in armed conflict and the importance of local resilience in mitigating the impact of violence. The negotiations between residents and both the SAF and RSF to secure aid demonstrate the complex dynamics at play and the agency of civilians in navigating the conflict. This agency, however, is often constrained by the power imbalances inherent in such situations.

Beyond Khartoum: Regional Implications

The Sudanese conflict has significant regional implications, potentially destabilizing the wider Horn of Africa. The influx of refugees into neighboring countries strains already limited resources and exacerbates existing tensions. The conflict also risks drawing in external actors, further complicating the situation. Several countries have expressed concern over the violence and called for a ceasefire, but efforts to mediate a lasting peace have so far been unsuccessful. The potential for the conflict to spill over into neighboring countries, particularly those with existing ethnic or political tensions, is a major concern for regional stability. The Khartoum podcast by Studio Urban offers additional on-the-ground perspectives on the evolving situation.

The struggle for Sudan is not merely a domestic affair. This proves intertwined with broader geopolitical dynamics. As Khalid Mustafa Medani argues in his Middle East Report article, “The Struggle for Sudan,” the conflict reflects a complex interplay of internal and external factors, including regional rivalries and the involvement of foreign powers. The outcome of the conflict will have far-reaching consequences for the region, impacting trade routes, security arrangements, and the overall political landscape.

What Remains Unclear and What’s Next

While Alhessen’s research provides valuable insights into the experiences of residents in Burri, several aspects of the conflict remain unclear. The full extent of the damage to infrastructure and the long-term impact on the local economy are still being assessed. The political future of Sudan remains uncertain, with no clear path towards a sustainable peace agreement. The role of external actors in prolonging or resolving the conflict is also a subject of ongoing debate.

Looking ahead, the immediate priority is to address the humanitarian crisis and provide assistance to those affected by the conflict. However, a lasting solution requires a comprehensive political settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures a more inclusive and equitable future for all Sudanese. The process of reconstruction and reconciliation will be long and challenging, requiring sustained international support and a commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize the needs of the Sudanese people. MERIP encourages support for its work through donations, as highlighted on their website, to ensure continued free access to vital reporting and analysis. DONATE NOW