Fire at Friendship Hall in Khartoum: Accusations Against the Sudanese Army for Causing the Blaze

Amid escalating clashes in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, accusations have been leveled against the Sudanese Army for its alleged role in the fire that engulfed the Friendship Hall, one of the country’s most prominent cultural landmarks. The hall, which has served for decades as a hub for national conferences and events, was reduced to smoldering ruins as the ongoing conflict continues to devastate infrastructure and public institutions.

A Blaze in the Heart of Khartoum

In the early hours of the morning, images and videos circulated on social media showing flames engulfing the Friendship Hall, located along the banks of the Blue Nile. Eyewitnesses reported that the hall was subjected to intense shelling by the Sudanese Army before the fire broke out, leading to the destruction of significant portions of the historic building.

Accusations Against the Sudanese Army

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) directly accused the Sudanese Army of causing the fire, stating that military forces had shelled the hall during an operation to regain control of the area. The RSF asserted that the hall was under the Army’s control at the time of the incident and that the fire resulted from "intense and unjustified shelling" by the military.

For its part, the Sudanese Army attempted to justify the fire as a consequence of "necessary military operations" to reclaim the area from the RSF. However, these explanations failed to convince many observers and activists, who viewed the incident as a deliberate targeting of a national landmark.

The Aftermath of the Incident

The destruction of the Friendship Hall represents a significant loss for Khartoum, as the venue has long been a center for international conferences, cultural events, and major social gatherings. The incident has also raised concerns about the increasing targeting of infrastructure, particularly as Sudanese citizens continue to endure deteriorating humanitarian conditions and shortages of essential services.

A Systematic Targeting of National Landmarks?

The fire at the Friendship Hall is not an isolated incident. Since the conflict between the Sudanese Army and the RSF erupted in April 2023, numerous public facilities and government buildings have been destroyed. Analysts suggest that the targeting of public institutions reflects a deliberate strategy to undermine the state’s foundations, deepening the crisis and exacerbating the suffering of civilians.

Calls for an International Investigation

Amid the ongoing exchange of accusations, activists and human rights organizations have called for an independent international investigation to determine responsibility for the targeting of the Friendship Hall and other national landmarks. Observers argue that such investigations are essential to hold accountable those involved in violations and to protect the country’s remaining institutions.

The Path Ahead

With no immediate prospects for a political resolution, Sudan remains trapped in a cycle of violence, as its infrastructure and public facilities suffer extensive damage. In the absence of accountability, many fear that the destruction of the Friendship Hall could be repeated elsewhere, further complicating the crisis engulfing the nation.

In conclusion, it is the Sudanese people who continue to bear the brunt of this conflict, as flames consume not only buildings but also the future of a nation grappling with a war that shows no signs of ending soon.