Sudan: picking up the pieces in Khartoum

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Pascale Harter introduces correspondents' stories from Sudan, Afghanistan, Armenia and Ireland. Sudan's civil war is entering its fourth year - and particularly in regions of Darfur and the south, the fighting is still fierce. But in the capital, Khartoum, it's been a year since the insurgents of the Rapid Support Forces or RSF were pushed out by the Sudanese military. Mohanad Hashim returned to his beloved city to find the streets scarred by the war, but also showing signs of recovery. Even the traffic police are back, handing out fines to irate motorists... Afghanistan is in the midst of an economic crisis which is driving many parents to make impossible choices in order to buy food, clothes and medicine for their families. In Ghor Province, central Afghanistan, Yogita Limaye met one father who is now riven with guilt and grief over his decision to marry off a very young daughter to pay for her medical treatment. The Armenian capital, Yerevan, recently hosted a pair of highly prestigious political summits attended by a wide range of politicians from western Europe. Emmanuel Macron was the star of the show - from strutting the red carpet to crooning ballads with the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan - but behind the razzle-dazzle was a deeper purpose. Armenians will vote in a general election in early June, and will decide whether to look eastward to Russia, or westward to the EU, as they map out the country's future path. A huge social gathering at someone's home - with an open coffin at the very centre of proceedings. The ways of the traditional Irish wake, held before funerals, can be mysterious and a little intimidating to outsiders. But recently in southwestern Ireland, Vincent Dowd found the social warmth and support on offer allayed all his fears. Producer: Polly Hope Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Image: A vendor sits by a fresh produce stall at a local market in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, spring 2026. Credit: Khaled DESOUKI / AFP via Getty Images)