Sudan's war leaves Khartoum with unexploded mines and other weapons
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Overall Assessment
The article opens with a compelling human story to illustrate the danger of unexploded ordnance in post-combat Khartoum, then expands into systemic analysis using credible sources. It maintains a neutral tone while highlighting the humanitarian impact and logistical challenges of demining. Editorial decisions emphasize factual reporting over advocacy, though some attribution gaps remain.
"Khaled Abdulgader noticed children using an unusual object as a football and tried to stop them. He grabbed it, and it exploded in his hand."
Framing By Emphasis
Headline & Lead 85/100
The headline is clear, accurate, and representative of the article's content. The lead uses a personal story to illustrate the danger of unexploded ordnance but does so without sensationalism, grounding the narrative in a real human impact while transitioning to broader context.
✓ Balanced Reporting: The headline accurately summarizes the central issue — unexploded ordnance in Khartoum due to the war — without exaggeration or dramatization.
"Sudan's war leaves Khartoum with unexploded mines and other weapons"
✕ Framing By Emphasis: The lead begins with a human-interest anecdote that draws attention but remains factual and relevant to the broader issue.
"Khaled Abdulgader noticed children using an unusual object as a football and tried to stop them. He grabbed it, and it exploded in his hand."
Language & Tone 90/100
The article maintains a largely objective tone, using neutral language and attributing claims appropriately. Emotional elements are conveyed through direct quotes rather than reporter commentary, preserving journalistic distance.
✓ Proper Attribution: Claims about mine-laying are attributed to aid groups rather than presented as established fact, preserving neutrality.
"Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have been accused of laying mines, according to aid groups, during the war as they fought for control of the capital."
✕ Editorializing: The inclusion of the victim’s quote expressing gratitude despite injury adds emotional weight but is presented as direct speech, not editorial commentary.
"“I feel like, ‘Thank God it was just my hands,’” Abdulgader said."
Balance 88/100
The article draws from a range of credible, diverse sources including victims, demining experts, international organizations, and government representatives, with clear attribution and transparency about anonymity.
✓ Comprehensive Sourcing: The article cites multiple credible sources: AP journalists' observations, a Sudanese demining group (Jasmar), the United Nations, and a government official.
"According to the United Nations"
✓ Proper Attribution: Anonymous sourcing is transparently acknowledged and contextually justified.
"A government official told the AP it is trying to raise awareness..."
Completeness 92/100
The article offers extensive background on the scale and history of unexploded ordnance in Sudan, supported by data and expert commentary. It contextualizes current dangers within broader patterns of conflict and recovery.
✓ Comprehensive Sourcing: The article provides historical and quantitative context about the scale of contamination, including pre-war and post-2023 contamination levels.
"Decades of conflict in Sudan have left unexploded ordnance scattered across the country, with a combined area of about 7,700 football fields contaminated."
✕ Cherry Picking: While detailed on casualty numbers, the article does not break down responsibility for mine placement beyond stating both sides are accused — a limitation given the complexity of attribution in conflict zones.
Framing public spaces as dangerously unsafe due to unexploded ordnance
[framing_by_emphasis] and [cherry_picking] — The article opens with a child using an explosive as a football and emphasizes ongoing danger in populated areas, particularly highlighting risks to civilians returning to Khartoum.
"Khaled Abdulgader noticed children using an unusual object as a football and tried to stop them. He grabbed it, and it exploded in his hand."
Framing urban land as in a state of ongoing environmental and humanitarian crisis
[comprehensive_sourcing] — The article quantifies contamination in visual terms (football fields) and emphasizes the slow pace of demining, reinforcing a sense of protracted crisis.
"Decades of conflict in Sudan have left unexploded ordnance scattered across the country, with a combined area of about 7,700 football fields contaminated."
Implying lack of accountability in military conduct during urban warfare
[proper_attribution] — While accusations are attributed to aid groups, the framing includes a balanced but negative implication toward both warring parties for laying mines in civilian areas.
"Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have been accused of laying mines, according to aid groups, during the war as they fought for control of the capital."
Suggesting limited capacity of local authorities to manage post-war hazards
[cherry_picking] and [proper_attribution] — The government’s efforts are acknowledged but framed as insufficient due to resource constraints, implying systemic underperformance.
"Sudan's government says it is doing what it can to reduce the threat but says it is strapped for cash and personnel."
Portraying returning civilians as vulnerable and inadequately protected
[framing_by_emphasis] — The article repeatedly highlights returning populations, especially children, encountering deadly hazards, suggesting systemic neglect of civilian safety in post-conflict reintegration.
"Tens of thousands of people have returned to the city and 1.7 million have returned to Khartoum state, according to the U.N."
The article opens with a compelling human story to illustrate the danger of unexploded ordnance in post-combat Khartoum, then expands into systemic analysis using credible sources. It maintains a neutral tone while highlighting the humanitarian impact and logistical challenges of demining. Editorial decisions emphasize factual reporting over advocacy, though some attribution gaps remain.
Years of conflict in Sudan, particularly the 2023 war between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, have left Khartoum and surrounding areas contaminated with unexploded mines and weapons. Returning civilians, including many children, face serious risks as demining efforts proceed slowly. The United Nations and local groups report thousands of hazardous items removed, but large areas remain dangerous.
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