Sudan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis which is triggered by an internal conflict between two military government, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict outbreak started in April 2023, and it is still ongoing, it is estimated that over 6 million people have been internally displaced and over 9000 people have been killed according to the UN[1]. This is a very profound concern, and the world should not turn a blind eye to what’s happening, immediate notice and action should be put in place as the scale of suffering continues to intensify daily.
The war initially begun at the capital of Sudan in Khartoum, but it spread to other different cities which intensifies the fight across Sudan. Leading people to migrate to neighbouring countries like Egypt to have a chance of survival, because this conflict caused atrocities like using children as soldiers, war crime offences such as genocide against groups and sexual violence.
The severity of human rights violation should trigger accountability as the highest order of priority. Such conflict actors are provided with an opportunity to commit brutal acts against vulnerable people and hence a cycle of atrocities. The same goes for additional support of relief agencies taking care of the dispersed populations crammed in camps or towns ridden with poverty. Immediately it is time that the aid gap is filled by the international donors to avoid starvation of millions of people without having the most basic needs like food, clean water, and medicine.
Sudan is also in dire need of infrastructure and public service reinforcements. The overflowing camps are in need of more improved facilities, supplies and health care systems. There should be a priority in funding that will help in building a crisis resilient water supply, sanitation, schools and clinics.
The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development led by Kenya have tried to come up with solutions to help curb the ever-increasing crisis. Taking into consideration the importance neighbouring countries, Egypt has promoted a pan African summit that will include all frontlines state. The United States and Saudi Arabia’s joint efforts to work together in Jeddah also represented an important episode of emergency diplomacy.[2] These efforts although admirable must be sustained if there shall ever realize an end of hostilities. Therefore, this situation proves to be very difficult and having an ongoing joint effort is necessary in order to make any kind of meaningful difference.
Nevertheless, in my opinion the world’s leaders should be the ones to ensure that this growing catastrophe is visible through engagement, not indifference. No country hosting a quarter of its population as refugees or displaced should bear such strains alone. It is morally and strategically necessary to foster international will for solutions; catastrophe does not benefit anybody if the conflicts spread more. Deprivation, hopelessness, and regional instability should not go to tipping points before the concerned states and institutions assemble behind the displacement alleviation in Sudan.
In conclusion, immediate and effective international action is required in Sudan. Multidimensional instability that is centred on internal armed conflicts requires fast interventions to uplift relief efforts, support livelihoods and if possible, resolve regional disputes. By addressing the issues from its root using tools like diplomacy can help lessen atrocities and ensure a peaceful Sudan.
References
Moench, M. (2023, November 15). How to help Sudan people amid warnings of “another genocide.” Time. https://time.com/6335570/how-to-help-sudan-war-genocide/
Rondos, A. (2023, October 19). After six months of Civil War, what’s the State of play in Sudan? United States Institute of Peace. https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/10/after-six-months-civil-war-whats-state-play-sudan
[1] Moench, M. (2023, November 15). How to help Sudan people amid warnings of “another genocide.” Time. https://time.com/6335570/how-to-help-sudan-war-genocide/
[2] Rondos, A. (2023, October 19). After six months of Civil War, what’s the State of play in Sudan? United States Institute of Peace. https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/10/after-six-months-civil-war-whats-state-play-sudan
The European Institute for International Law and International Relations
