“Completely unacceptable.” This strong commentary from Denise Brown, the United Nations’ leading representative in Sudan, reflects her frustration regarding the ongoing failure to address a devastating conflict that has persisted for three years. This crisis has been largely overshadowed by other global events, such as the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and now Iran. Brown emphasized that the focus should shift to finding resolutions to end the hostilities, rather than just discussing the humanitarian fallout.
A conference held in Berlin on Wednesday aims to reignite a sense of urgency as the conflict enters its fourth year. Following the military coup that ousted the civilian government, Sudan’s military leaders have engaged in fierce infighting, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Approximately four million individuals have fled to neighboring countries, while millions more remain internally displaced. With nearly half of Sudan’s population—around 30 million—facing severe food insecurity, significant portions of the capital, Khartoum, are in ruins.
Rather than diminishing, the conflict has escalated, with both factions entrenching their positions. Over the past year, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, have established a rival authority in western Sudan. A recent UN report indicated that up to 10,000 people lost their lives during the RSF’s brutal siege of El Fasher in Darfur, an event that displayed characteristics of genocide.
Investigations revealed that both sides have systematically targeted civilians, executed individuals without trial, and tortured prisoners, leading to a situation characterized by widespread atrocities. Hospitals have been destroyed, and both factions are increasingly employing drones to inflict damage.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces and recognized internationally, remains steadfast, refusing to compromise. He insists that the RSF must withdraw to designated camps and disarm before any national dialogue can take place. Conversely, the RSF has called for a new federal governance structure and the exclusion of Islamist factions, which are integral to Burhan’s coalition.
In September, a mediation group that included the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt proposed a potential peace framework that envisioned a humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire and subsequent political negotiations. However, the proposal sidestepped several challenging issues, and Sudan has not been a priority for the U.S. recently.
The real crisis lies not in the failure of international peace efforts, but in the ongoing support and escalation of this conflict by external entities. Diplomats and experts, including those within the RSF, assert that the UAE is the primary supporter of the RSF, despite their denials. This involvement is believed to have contributed to the ongoing rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt backing General Burhan. Recent findings from researchers at Yale University indicated potential collusion between Ethiopia and the RSF, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. Long-term accountability issues also arise for Europe, which funded Sudan’s efforts to curb migration, inadvertently bolstering the RSF while providing weaponry now employed in the conflict.
The ongoing war in Iran is obstructing vital humanitarian relief and driving up costs, as global governments reduce their aid budgets. Community kitchens that have been crucial for family sustenance are closing, with reports indicating that more than 40% have shut down in the past six months. The nations participating in the Berlin conference must enhance their support for Sudan’s essential voluntary and mutual aid organizations. Nonetheless, humanitarian initiatives cannot replace the need for lasting peace. The UK, EU, and others must intensify their pressure on the UAE and other actors who prioritize geopolitical gains over the lives of the Sudanese people.
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