While global attention has often been focused on Ukraine and Palestine, another significant conflict has been unfolding in Sudan since April 15, 2023. This brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has wreaked havoc on the nation and its people. Here’s a closer look at how this conflict has evolved and the efforts to address it.
Background: Allies Turned Enemies
The conflict has its roots in a turbulent alliance. The SAF and RSF were former allies who overthrew long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. However, power struggles and disagreements over integrating the RSF into the national army fueled tensions, leading to the outbreak of violence.
April 15, 2023: War Erupts
Sudan’s fragile peace shatters as fighting breaks out between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The violence begins in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spreads to other regions, particularly Darfur.
April 2023: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As the fighting intensifies, Sudan’s already dire humanitarian situation worsens. More than 15 million people were already facing severe food insecurity before the conflict, and millions more are now displaced. The United Nations warns of mass starvation and escalating health crises, with diseases like cholera and malaria spreading rapidly.
May 2023: Refugee Exodus
By May, over 1 million refugees have fled Sudan to neighbouring countries, with Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt bearing the brunt of the influx. The UN reports that more than 9.3 million people have been forcibly displaced, including 7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and nearly 2 million refugees.
Summer 2023: Failed Peace Efforts
Despite numerous international efforts to broker peace, including negotiations sponsored by the United States and Saudi Arabia, no lasting cease-fire is achieved. Sixteen cease-fires fail, and attempts by the African Union and other regional blocs to establish peace plans also fall short.
July 2023: Egypt-Led Conference
An Egypt-led conference with Sudan’s neighbours attempts to establish humanitarian corridors and a framework for political dialogue. While it makes some progress in providing aid, it fails to resolve the conflict, and fighting continues to hinder aid delivery.
Late 2023: Increasing International Concerns
Sudan cuts ties with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) over its outreach to RSF leader Hemedti, further isolating itself. The SAF and RSF both face accusations of war crimes, with the International Criminal Court opening investigations.
December 2023: Critical Aid Hubs Captured
The RSF captures Wad Madani in Gezira state, a key aid hub, complicating aid efforts. The World Food Program suspends assistance in Gezira due to escalating violence, though it later resumes work.
Early 2024: Struggling Amidst the Crisis
International organisations like the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross continue their efforts to provide food, water, and medical services. However, funding shortfalls persist, with the UN’s appeal for $2.7 billion in aid for Sudan only partially funded.
April 2024: Humanitarian Conference in France
A humanitarian conference in France raises over $2 billion in pledges for Sudan, but experts warn that much more is needed. The rebuilding process, even if fighting stops, is expected to take generations.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Efforts
Despite the bleak situation, there is hope. Continued international pressure, coupled with local and regional efforts, is essential to ending the conflict and rebuilding Sudan. Ensuring sustained support for humanitarian aid and fostering dialogue between warring parties remain critical to achieving lasting peace.
Conclusion
Sudan’s civil war has inflicted immense suffering and displacement, overshadowed in the global media by other conflicts. The world must not forget Sudan. Continued attention, aid, and diplomatic efforts are crucial to ending the violence and helping Sudanese people rebuild their lives.