A war that is not over: Sudan’s Children Carry Bullets in Their Heads Dr. Jamal Al-Jak Translated by Ibrahim Ebeid, September 2026
Translated by Ibrahim Ebeid, September 2026
A war that is not over:
Sudan’s Children Carry Bullets in Their Heads
Dr. Jamal Al-Jak
Translated by Ibrahim Ebeid, September 2026
Since the outbreak of the war on April 15, 2023, Sudanese children have lived through one of the harshest humanitarian experiences, as they have found themselves facing shelling, violence, displacement, and loss of security, as well as the collapse of many protection, education, and care systems. While the human and material losses have received widespread attention, another H.R. is in the shadows: the minds and souls of the children.
These experiences leave profound psychological and behavioral effects, most notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest as recurring nightmares, reenacting traumatic scenes, intense fear of sudden sounds, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. The child may also suffer from anxiety and introversion, and fear of being away from their parents for fear of losing them.
Some children, especially younger ones, exhibit behavioral declines, such as bedwetting, finger sucking, excessive attachment to parents or objects, stuttering, as well as tantrums and aggressive behavior. In cases of prolonged displacement, signs of depression and loss of desire to play, decreased activity, and feelings of hopelessness or guilt may also appear.
These symptoms cannot be treated by impression or guesswork, but require a psychoscientific assessment that takes into account the circumstances of displacement. Tools used in this area include the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Children’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CPSS), behavioral observation, play analysis and drawing, and interviews with parents or caregivers.
Treatment requires integrated levels, including Cognitive Behavioral Trauma Therapy (TF-CBT), play and art therapy, as well as community-based psychosocial support programs. Child-friendly spaces are especially important because they provide a safe environment that helps restore routine, play, social interaction, and emotional expression.
Family support is also essential to the recovery process. Helping parents understand and respond calmly to a child’s behavior, avoid violence and reprimands, and encourage children to express their fear and feelings can help them regain a sense of security.
The effects of April 15 on the children of Sudan are no less serious than their physical effects; they may extend for years and affect the future of society as a whole. Protecting this generation therefore requires a transition from a temporary relief response to a sustainable national strategy for mental health and psychosocial support, starting with early diagnosis and not ending with the end of the pandemic.
