Sudanese Twins Return to School After Shelling Killed Half Their Classmates
Nairobi, 24 January 2026
Eighteen-year-old twins Makarem and Ikram have returned to Abu Sitta girls’ school in Sudan, where a devastating shelling attack in August 2024 killed their English teacher and 13 classmates. Makarem still carries shrapnel in her head from the attack, making studying difficult and forcing her to repeat her final year. The twins’ determination to complete their education exemplifies the resilience of Sudan’s youth amid a brutal civil war that has left over 8 million children out of school. Their story highlights both the human cost of conflict and the extraordinary courage required to pursue learning in war zones.
The August 2024 Attack That Changed Everything
On a seemingly ordinary day in August 2024, the Abu Sitta girls’ school in el-Obeid, North Kordofan state, became the scene of unspeakable tragedy [1][2]. The twins were in separate classrooms when the shelling began - Makarem attending her English lesson whilst Ikram sat in science class [1]. Regional authorities have blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack, though the RSF has not commented on the incident [1][2]. The assault claimed 14 lives, including the twins’ beloved English teacher and 13 of their classmates, whilst dozens more suffered injuries [1][2]. For a school that normally accommodates approximately 300 students [1][2], the loss represented a devastating blow to the entire educational community.
Physical and Emotional Scars
Makarem bore the brunt of the physical trauma, struck by shrapnel that remains lodged in her head more than a year after the attack [1][7]. “We were hiding behind the wall when a girl who was standing next to me put her hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Your shoulder is bleeding,’” Makarem recalled [2]. The injury required hospitalisation and continues to affect her ability to study, initially limiting her to just one hour of learning followed by an hour of rest [1][2][7]. Dr Tarek Zobier, a neurologist in Sudan, explained that the medical implications of head shrapnel vary significantly - whilst some patients experience no symptoms, others may require surgery for severe complications such as spasms [1][2]. Makarem’s pain fluctuates unpredictably, worsening during winter months and requiring ongoing painkiller management [1][2][7].
Returning to a Changed School
The emotional toll proved equally challenging for both sisters. “I waited for her outside the front door and when I saw her coming we all cried,” Ikram remembered of the moment she was reunited with her injured twin [1][2][7]. The psychological impact persisted long after their return to school. “I used to close my eyes on the way to class to avoid looking at the area where the shelling happened,” Ikram explained [7]. The Abu Sitta school remained closed for three months following the attack, undergoing essential repairs before students could return [2][7]. During their absence, the broader conflict continued to rage around el-Obeid, with the city remaining under RSF siege for over 18 months until the Sudanese army regained control in February 2025 [1][2][7].
Sudan’s Educational Crisis Deepens
The twins’ ordeal reflects a much broader educational catastrophe unfolding across Sudan. The civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced millions [1][2][7]. According to recent data from Save the Children, more than 8 million children - nearly half of Sudan’s 17 million school-age population - are currently out of school [2][4][5]. These children have missed approximately 484-500 days of education since the conflict began [4][5], creating what Save the Children describes as one of the world’s largest educational crises. Many schools have been destroyed by bombing campaigns, whilst others have been converted into temporary shelters for the over 7 million people who have fled their homes [4]. Walid Mohamed Al-Hassan, the minister of education in North Kordofan state, acknowledged the severity of “the conditions of war and the cost of war” on the educational system [1][2].
Determination Despite Adversity
Despite the overwhelming challenges, both twins remain resolute about their educational futures. Makarem has made the difficult decision to repeat her final school year in order to retake her national examinations, as the shrapnel injury initially prevented her from achieving the scores necessary for university admission [1][2][7]. “I believe that I will be able to achieve the score I am aiming for. I am hopeful for the future,” she stated with quiet determination [1][2]. Her ultimate goal remains unchanged - to become a doctor [7]. Meanwhile, Ikram has successfully progressed to university, studying English in el-Obeid, inspired by their English teacher Fathiya Khalil Ibrahiem, who perished in the attack [7]. Their resilience stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage of Sudan’s youth, who continue pursuing education despite facing what Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children, warns could result in “an entire generation being lost” without immediate international intervention and substantial investment in education [4].