This Sunday marked the first day of Eid, a day when residents of Omdurman, Sudan, celebrated with fervor and optimism. The occasion was notable as the army advanced, making significant progress in regaining control of Khartoum State from the opposing Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group.

“I am filled with happiness because, thanks to God’s will, the Sudanese army is winning victory after victory. The most gratifying aspect is that people will soon be able to return to their homes, cities, and villages,” expressed Emad El-Deen Hassan after the Eid prayers.

Near a mosque still bearing the scars of bullet damage, the chant “God is the greatest” echoed, where people had assembled for Eid al-Fitr prayers.

Throughout much of the Muslim world, Ramadan’s conclusion and the onset of Eid al-Fitr were commemorated on Sunday, with some countries observing the festival on Monday.

Typically, Eid is a season of happiness and celebration, involving communal prayers and festivities like family visits, gatherings, outings, and wearing new clothes.

“This year’s Eid feels especially meaningful, especially after two years of conflict and the liberation of Khartoum,” noted Salah Mokhtar, who had been displaced from Khartoum to Omdurman.

The ongoing war in Sudan, which commenced in 2023, has left the capital and other urban areas in ruins, claiming over 28,000 lives and displacing millions.

Just last week, Sudan’s military intensified its control in the capital by reclaiming more crucial government buildings, a day after taking over the Republican Palace.