The Ongoing Crisis in Sudan: A Call for Global Attention and Action

Since the war began in April 2023, Sudan has struggled for international attention, amid rising famine and violence. The U.S. has weakened its influence, ceasing vital assistance, as rival factions threaten partition. Foreign support for combatants exacerbates the crisis, requiring urgent global action to facilitate a ceasefire and restore civilian rule.

Since April 2023, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has largely gone unnoticed on the global stage amid domestic political distractions and crises in other regions. Despite reports of widespread atrocities and escalating famine, there has been little international action. The lack of civic mobilization, unlike during the Darfur genocide, indicates a troubling indifference, notably as the Biden administration’s response to genocide was met with silence rather than action.

The United States has further diminished its influence by undermining its capacity to address global crises. This has worsened the situation in Sudan, particularly as the cessation of USAID funding has halted essential assistance for those suffering from starvation. Concurrently, Russian interests thrive amidst this chaos, notably seeking agreements for access to Port Sudan.

Sudan appears to be drifting towards partition, as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and various allied factions have gained ground against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF’s recent political charter indicates their intention to maintain control over western Sudan, although their governance is met with skepticism by the populace. The alliances formed by both sides seem tenuous, echoing the earlier breakdown of cooperation following regime changes.

International involvement has exacerbated the conflict, with regional powers backing opposing factions without facing repercussions for their actions. The Sudanese people continue to bear the brunt of this turmoil, suffering displacement, violence, and deprivation of basic needs. If left unchecked, the conflict will yield consequences far beyond Sudan, empowering nefarious actors and threatening regional stability.

A resolution requires an end to external support, a ceasefire with enforceable guarantees, and a structured path toward civilian governance. However, in the absence of effective international leadership, achieving these outcomes remains difficult. The plight of Sudan calls for urgent global attention and action to avert a deeper crisis.

In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan remains largely ignored by the international community, leading to worsening humanitarian conditions. The fragmentation of Sudan into rival factions, supported by foreign powers, threatens not only the region but global stability. A coordinated international response is imperative to halt the violence and prevent a broader disaster. Without decisive action, Sudan’s suffering risks being further entrenched in a cycle of chaos and abandonment.

Original Source: www.cfr.org