Twins Survive Shelling: A Story of Resilience in Sudan's War

Sat Jan 24 2026 17:59:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the chaos of war, 19-year-old twins Makarem and Ikram recount their harrowing experience during a deadly shelling at their school in Sudan, where half of their friends lost their lives. This narrative highlights the ongoing struggles and perseverance of students amid violence and humanitarian crises.

Amid the horrors of Sudan's civil war, twins Makarem and Ikram survived a shelling incident at their school that claimed the lives of their teacher and many classmates. As they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, both sisters reflect on their paths forward, facing challenges yet holding on to hope for their future.

It had been a normal day for 18-year-old twins Makarem and Ikram when their school came under fire. Makarem was in an English literature class and Ikram was in a science lesson when they heard 'strange sounds' coming from outside the school in Sudan. Then the shelling started.

Makarem says her shoulder 'tilted' as she was struck. Screaming, her classmates dropped to the floor to avoid shellfire and find somewhere to hide. '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.'

In the chaos, the two sisters, who had been in separate classrooms, tried to reach each other but couldn't. Later, Ikram searched for her sister, not knowing she'd already been taken to hospital.

Eventually, her teachers and classmates had to convince Ikram to abandon the search and go home. It was only when Makarem returned home from hospital later that day that her family found out she was still alive.

Makarem and Ikram's English teacher and 13 classmates were killed and dozens more injured in the shelling at the Abu Sitta girls' school, in el-Obeid, in North Kordofan state, in August 2024. The school normally has about 300 students. Regional authorities accuse the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of firing the shells. The RSF has never commented on the incident.

Makarem says half of her friends at school were killed while the other half were injured. As well as injuring her shoulder, she also suffered a head wound but was discharged from hospital having received basic treatment. But several days later, after developing severe headaches, a CT scan revealed a small piece of shrapnel lodged in her head.

In spite of the ongoing violence and challenging circumstances faced by students, both Makarem and Ikram remain hopeful about their futures. Ikram has completed her studies and is now pursuing English at university, inspired by her deceased teacher, while Makarem is determined to become a doctor, despite the lingering effects of her injury.