Since April 2023, Sudan’s war has been largely ignored amid global priorities, despite dire humanitarian consequences. U.S. aid cuts have worsened the crisis, while external influence perpetuates conflict. The SAF and RSF are pursuing unstable alliances, leading towards fragmentation rather than peace. Urgent global action is needed to stop the cycle of violence and seek a path toward civilian governance.
Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, Sudan has received insufficient global attention, overshadowed by other geopolitical issues such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Despite alarming reports of mass atrocities and widespread famine, Sudan has failed to capture the international community’s focus, resulting in a muted public response to the Biden administration’s eventual acknowledgment of genocide in the region.
The recent volatility in global politics, particularly in Washington, has further diminished America’s ability to respond effectively to the crisis in Sudan. The termination of support from USAID has disrupted crucial aid, exacerbating the humanitarian plight of the Sudanese people. Amid these developments, Russia has been positioning itself to exploit the tumult, seeking to solidify its presence at Port Sudan.
Each passing week draws Sudan nearer to an inadvertent partition as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied groups achieve significant military successes. However, discussions of permanently driving out opposing forces may reflect hopeful idealism rather than sustainable strategy. The RSF’s recent political charter with various anti-SAF factions indicates its intent to retain control over western territories, though public trust in such governance is deeply lacking.
Both principal factions, SAF and RSF, have formed unstable coalitions that are historically prone to fracturing, as evidenced by their prior collaboration that swiftly unraveled. The ongoing external support for this conflict—whether from Egypt, Turkey, Iran, or any other actor—has not translated into costs for any of them, leaving the Sudanese populace to endure the resulting hardships and violence alone.
The dire consequences for Sudan will ultimately reach beyond its borders, posing threats to broader regional stability and fundamental international norms. The necessary steps to curb this escalation include halting external assistance, advocating for a ceasefire with enforceable assurances, and crafting a plan leading to civilian governance. However, in the current landscape, achieving these aims remains a formidable challenge.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Sudan is characterized by a lack of international focus and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. As military factions vie for control amidst external support, the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear bleak. An urgent need exists for global leadership to halt external interference, support a ceasefire, and work towards a viable path for civilian governance to address the crisis effectively.
Original Source: www.cfr.org
