Sudan’s conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has received minimal global attention due to competing international crises. US disengagement has worsened the humanitarian situation, as aid is halted and foreign interference persists. The nation is nearing effective partition, led by factions with disparate interests, further complicating peace prospects. Immediate action is necessary to prioritize civilian governance and ceasefire to prevent regional instability.
Since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in April 2023, Sudan has struggled to gain international attention, overshadowed by leaders’ focus on domestic issues and global crises such as Ukraine and Gaza. Despite the revelation of mass atrocities and a rising famine, Sudan remains largely absent from foreign policy discussions, with the response to the Biden administration’s genocide determination marked by notable silence from the public.
The United States has undermined its ability to influence global events, creating further disarray, which detrimentally affects focus on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The halting of USAID has cut critical assistance to those suffering from starvation, while Russia seeks to exploit the turmoil by developing a deal for access to Port Sudan.
As the conflict persists, Sudan is inching closer to effective partition, with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) gaining military ground alongside a coalition of past regime supporters and various ethnic militias. Conversely, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seek to maintain control over significant western territories, despite their unpopularity among the Sudanese population.
Foreign supporters of the warring factions—including Egypt, Turkey, and Iran for the SAF, and the UAE and Chad for the RSF—bear no real consequences for perpetuating the violence, resulting in severe suffering for the Sudanese people. The civilian population faces widespread dislocation, disenfranchisement, and denied access to basic needs such as education and food.
The ramifications of this conflict will extend beyond Sudan, as empowered extremist groups and a decline in fundamental governance norms threaten regional stability. Immediate cessation of external support, a genuine ceasefire, and a clear pathway toward civilian governance are essential to halt this crisis. However, effective global leadership is currently absent, complicating the prospects for addressing these critical issues.
In summary, the ongoing violence and disarray in Sudan highlight the need for international attention and a concerted effort to address the humanitarian crisis. The lack of accountability for foreign actors contributing to the conflict exacerbates the suffering of the Sudanese people. A comprehensive strategy involving the cessation of external support and a move towards a legitimate civilian governance framework is imperative for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.cfr.org
