The Crisis in Sudan: A Call for International Action
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now a year old, has escalated into a crisis of epic proportions, according to the UN political chief, Rosemary DiCarlo. The war between rival generals, Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, has resulted in over 14,000 deaths, tens of thousands wounded, and millions displaced from their homes. The situation is dire, with looming famine and 25 million people in need of life-saving assistance.
External interference has been a major factor in prolonging the conflict in Sudan. Foreign supporters continue to flout UN sanctions aimed at ending the war, providing war materiel and other support to the warring factions. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chair of the African Union panel on Sudan, highlighted the detrimental impact of external support on efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and bring an end to the violence.
While specific foreign supporters were not named, reports suggest that Gen. Burhan has close ties to Egypt and its president, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Additionally, Dagalo’s Rapid Support Forces have allegedly received support from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and other allied communities in the region. The RSF has been implicated in brutal attacks on ethnic African civilians in Darfur, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The recent escalation of violence in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the region. More than 36,000 people have been displaced following attacks by RSF-affiliated militias. The UN humanitarian office’s director of operations, Edem Wosornu, warned that the violence poses an immediate danger to the 800,000 residents of El Fasher and could trigger further violence in other parts of Darfur.
The conflict in Darfur has a dark history of genocide and war crimes, with the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor suggesting that both sides may be committing atrocities. The legacy of violence in Darfur dates back to the early 2000s when the Janjaweed Arab militias carried out brutal attacks against Central and East African populations.
In light of the escalating crisis in Sudan, there is an urgent need for international intervention to bring about peace and stability in the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ personal envoy for Sudan has proposed convening a meeting with African and Arab organizations and key countries to develop a comprehensive mediation strategy. The African Union is also appealing to regional countries to refrain from supporting either side and is working towards organizing a political dialogue for Sudanese civilians to prepare for a post-war transition to democratic governance.
The war in Sudan has set the country back several decades, and rebuilding to its pre-war state will require significant time and effort. It is crucial for the international community to come together to support peace efforts and alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the conflict. The crisis in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war and the urgent need for collective action to prevent further loss of life and displacement.