Sudan’s prolonged conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and millions suffering from starvation and displacement. Children are disproportionately affected, facing severe injuries and trauma. The prevalence of sexual violence underscores the dire situation. With ongoing peace efforts failing, international intervention is crucial to protect civilians and uphold human rights, as articulated by the UN fact-finding mission.
The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, lasting over 20 months, has emerged as a tragic depiction of humanity’s darkest moments. At least 20,000 fatalities have occurred, with around 25 million people facing severe hunger and dire need for humanitarian assistance. Additionally, 14 million individuals have been displaced, while millions have fled to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Egypt. Affected the most are children, who represent a significant portion of the casualties and injuries reported.
Medical organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have reported that many war-related injuries treated are among the young. For instance, an 18-month-old infant named Riyad was critically wounded by a stray bullet. Unfortunately, due to the war’s chaos and limited medical resources, many such children face entirely uncertain futures.
The situation is exacerbated by the rampant sexual violence inflicted during the conflict. The UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission has identified both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces as responsible for acts of sexual and gender-based violence, with the RSF being behind a significant majority of such occurrences. Victims often struggle to access critical medical and psychological support amidst ongoing violence.
War crimes and other atrocities, including gender-based violence, have reached alarming levels in Sudan. As the civilian population endures daily sufferings without accountability for the perpetrators, the need for international intervention becomes imperative. With ongoing efforts for dialogue and peace failing, the African Union, among other international bodies, must consider effective measures, including direct intervention to ensure the protection of civilians.
Past peace initiatives have had little to no success in ceasing the hostilities, as exemplified by the Jeddah Declaration signed in May 2023, which aimed to protect civilians but ultimately failed. Repeated attempts at mediation have not resulted in a sustainable ceasefire or adequate civilian protection, with many current efforts yielding no concrete results. Moving forward, a decisive and immediate response is required from the global community.
The UN calls for an international peacekeeping force to protect civilians, stating, “Given the failure of the warring parties to spare civilians, it is imperative that an independent and impartial force with a mandate to safeguard civilians be deployed without delay.” However, the Sudanese government has thus far rejected such calls, framing external interventions as violations of sovereignty.
Despite the government’s stance, it is clear that the ongoing conflict has rendered it incapable of protecting its citizen’s rights and lives effectively. The African Union, armed with the authority under its Constitutive Act, has a clear mandate to intervene under situations of severe human rights breaches. An intervention could potentially provide necessary safety and protection for the Sudanese people, which is crucial in the current humanitarian crisis.
The AU faces a critical response choice: to remain passive while innocents are lost in this unjust conflict, or to take bold actions to relieve the Sudanese populace’s suffering. The organization must not fail the Sudanese people, as restoring peace is essential for both regional stability and the AU’s credibility as a governing body of African affairs.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan challenges both Sudanese leadership and the AU within their roles. The provision of international peacekeeping forces could significantly alter the dire circumstances faced by civilians and the overall trajectory of peace in the region. Swift actions from the AU could ultimately contribute to the realization of an integrated and peaceful Africa, meeting its mandate and vision for the future.
The article discusses the catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the prolonged conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary groups, particularly the Rapid Support Forces. As violence escalates, millions face harsh conditions such as starvation, displacement, and violence, especially against vulnerable populations like children and women. It explores the failure of peace efforts and highlights the urgent need for an intervention to protect civilians from ongoing atrocities.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan serves as a distressing example of humanity’s failings, necessitating immediate and effective intervention from the African Union and the international community. With a compelling case for the deployment of an independent peacekeeping force, it is critical that actions are taken swiftly to prevent further loss of innocent lives and to foster the potential for lasting peace and security in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
