A good place to start talking about the crisis in Sudan is from the very beginning—well, not right from the genesis, but somewhere around there. The crisis in Sudan is our point of concern, and the two elephants wrestling for power, but making casualties out of spectators, are General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan (Head of Sudan Armed Forces) and General Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagolo (Leader of Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force in Sudan). This crisis runs very freely towards a civil war if not immediately contained, as it has claimed hundreds of lives and left millions in a dire humanitarian situation. Sudan has been in a state of political instability for decades, with intermittent periods of democracy and military rule. In 2019, after months of protests, the military ousted President Omar Al Bashir, who had ruled the country for over three decades. A transitional government composed of civilians and military leaders was established with the promise of leading the country to democracy in three years.
However, the transition was marked by tensions between the civilian and military factions, which ultimately led to a power struggle. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who headed the Sudan Armed Forces, emerged as the de facto leader of the country and dissolved the transitional government in October 2021.
He appointed himself president and promised to hold elections in 2023. This move was met with protests and condemnation from the international community, which saw it as a setback to Sudan’s democratic transition. General Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagolo, who leads the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group that emerged from the Janjaweed militias that operated in Darfur, has been the main ally of Gen. Burhan in this power struggle. The RSF has been accused of committing human rights abuses, including atrocities in Darfur, and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
The group has also been accused of being involved in the recent coup attempt in Niger, which has heightened concerns about its destabilizing influence in the region. The crisis in Sudan has had dire humanitarian consequences, with millions of people affected by the ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters. The UN has warned of a possible famine in the country, and aid agencies are struggling to reach those in need due to the insecurity and violence. In conclusion, the crisis in Sudan is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and action from the international community. The power struggle between the military and civilian factions has plunged the country into political turmoil and humanitarian crisis, and there are fears that it could escalate into a full-blown civil war.
Over 12 million people in Sudan require humanitarian assistance, including 5.5 million children. More than 4 million people have been displaced from their homes due to conflict and natural disasters, and many are living in makeshift camps with limited access to food, water, and healthcare. The UN has warned of a possible famine in the country, with over 9 million people experiencing food insecurity and malnutrition rates among children reaching alarming levels. The economic crisis has led to hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods, such as fuel and medicine, making it difficult for people to access essential services.
The conflict has also had a devastating impact on women and children, with reports of widespread sexual violence, forced displacement, and child recruitment by armed groups. These figures paint a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in Sudan. The ongoing conflict and political instability have had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people, who are struggling to survive in a volatile and uncertain environment. The international community must act urgently to address the humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people and support efforts to promote peace and stability in the country. Russia’s interest in Sudan is an opportunity to expand its influence in Africa and strengthen its geopolitical position in the region. Russia has been seeking to increase its presence in Africa in recent years, with a focus on economic and military cooperation with African countries. In Sudan, Russia has been involved in various sectors, including mining, oil, and military equipment sales. Russia also sees Sudan as a potential ally in the Middle East, given its historical ties with Arab countries and its geopolitical location on the Red Sea.
The United States, on the other hand, sees Sudan as important for its ‘counterterrorism’ efforts and its strategic location on the Red Sea. Sudan has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism since 1993, and the US has been working to normalize relations with Sudan since the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Sudan’s proximity to the Middle East and its location on key shipping lanes make it a critical partner for the US in ‘countering terrorism and promoting regional stability’. In addition to these strategic considerations, both Russia and the US have expressed concerns about the ongoing crisis in Sudan and its potential to destabilize the region.
The crisis in Sudan is complex and multifaceted, and there is no easy solution to the challenges facing the country. However, there are several steps that can be taken to promote peace, stability, and democratic governance in Sudan. Although there are likely ways the conflict can be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation, A key step in resolving the crisis in Sudan is dialogue and reconciliation between the different parties involved. This includes engaging with all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, women’s groups, and other marginalized communities, to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
The Sudanese government and opposition groups should engage in meaningful dialogue to reach a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict. Addressing the humanitarian crisis: The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with millions of people in need of urgent assistance. Addressing the humanitarian crisis requires immediate action to provide food, water, shelter, and medical care to those in need. International aid organizations should be given unrestricted access to deliver aid to all parts of the country. Promoting economic development: The economic crisis in Sudan has contributed to the current political instability, and addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach to promoting economic development.
This includes promoting investment, improving infrastructure, and diversifying the economy to create more jobs and reduce poverty. Strengthening democratic institutions: To promote lasting peace and stability in Sudan, there needs to be a strong and accountable democratic government in place. This requires strengthening democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, civil service, and electoral commission, and ensuring that they are free from political interference. International support: The crisis in Sudan requires the support of the international community. This includes diplomatic engagement, financial assistance, and technical support to help the Sudanese government and civil society organizations address the root causes of the conflict and promote lasting peace and stability.
In conclusion, the crisis in Sudan requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to promote peace, stability, and democratic governance. It will require the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure a better future for the Sudanese people. The key to resolving this crisis lies in supporting the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people and promoting a peaceful and inclusive transition to democracy.
Imam can be reached via axk4lima@gmail.com
