The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Over 8.6 million people have been displaced due to the conflict, with more than 6.5 million remaining within Sudan and many others fleeing to neighbouring countries. An estimated 10.7 million people (approximately 2.1 million families) are now internally displaced within Sudan. About 25.6 million people, which is over half of Sudan’s population, are facing acute hunger. This includes more than 755,000 people who are on the brink of famine. 19 million school-aged children are at risk of losing their education due to the conflict, as many schools remain shuttered or struggle to reopen. The conflict has severely impacted Sudan’s economy, with projections indicating a contraction of 12% in 2023 and an anticipated further decline of 18.3% in 2024. How did Sudan slip into this abyss? What are the regional and international implications of the conflict and why is it not receiving the international focus it should receive? How can Sudan come out of this situation?
The downward slide
Sudan, a nation rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, has been entrenched in conflict for decades, marked by civil wars, ethnic strife, and political instability. The roots of the Sudanese conflict can be traced back to colonial times when British-Egyptian rule exacerbated regional inequalities, laying the groundwork for future discord. Following Sudan’s independence in 1956, power struggles between the north and south, primarily along religious and ethnic lines, led to the First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972) and the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005). The latter culminated in the secession of South Sudan in 2011.
Key players in Sudan’s current conflict include the ruling military junta, various rebel groups, and political factions representing diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. The ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in April 2019 sparked hope for democratic transition; however, the subsequent power struggle between the military and civilian leaders has led to renewed violence.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group with roots in the Janjaweed militias, headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo popularly known as Hemedti, have been central to the conflict. These one-time allies continue to clash over control of territory and resources and are still unable to arrive at any agreement despite several efforts by international mediators.
Wider implications
The conflict has not only caused immense suffering within Sudan but has also threatened to destabilize the broader region. The influx of refugees into neighbouring countries, such as Chad and Egypt, has raised concerns about regional security and humanitarian capacity. As a predominantly Muslim nation, Sudan’s instability has implications for regional security, particularly in the context of extremist movements. The SAF is being supported mainly by Egypt. This support is rooted in shared interests, particularly regarding security and the management of the Nile River waters.
Saudi Arabia has also leaned towards supporting the SAF, providing political backing and potentially military assistance. The kingdom’s interests in Sudan are tied to regional stability and countering Iranian influence. On the other hand, the RSF is backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Russian paramilitary group Wagner and some various local militias and tribal groups.
Limited Media Attention on the Sudan Conflict
The conflict in Sudan has not received the level of media attention it warrants for several reasons. One major factor is the presence of other high-profile conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. Media outlets often prioritize stories that resonate more with their audiences or that are perceived to have a more immediate impact on global politics.
As a result, the ongoing crisis in Sudan tends to be overshadowed by these more prominent stories, leading to less coverage and scant public awareness. Since Sudan is geographically and politically distant from many Western countries, it does not rank as high on the public’s radar, which in turn affects how much media coverage it receives. Activists and humanitarian organizations have been vocal about the need to bring Sudan back into the international spotlight. They argue that the world must not forget the plight of the Sudanese people, as the conflict continues to escalate and the humanitarian needs grow direr.
The Plight of the Rohingya continues
At recent media conference at the Press Club of India, activists and refugees shed light on the ongoing plight of the Rohingya community and pleaded for urgent global intervention to halt the renewed wave of violence against them. Human rights advocates and members of Myanmar’s government-in-exile, highlighted the systematic massacres committed by the Arakan Army, an insurgent group, against the Rohingya, with chilling video footage presented as evidence of drone attacks on those fleeing to Bangladesh.
A speaker from Myanmar’s government-in-exile, joining the event virtually, called for accountability for war crimes and genocide, stressing that political alliances should not shield those responsible for such atrocities. A refugee and advocate from the “Global Movement Against Statelessness” reflected on the horrors of 2017 when over 30,000 Rohingya were killed, and more than a million were displaced in a carefully orchestrated campaign of genocide.
Concerns were raised that Arakan Army is continuing the persecution initiated by Myanmar’s military regime, with much of the country’s civil society remaining silent on the issue.
Need for more global attention
The Rohingya crisis has been largely ignored due to a mix of geopolitical, economic, and cultural factors. Countries like China and India, with vested interests in Myanmar’s strategic location and resources, are hesitant to condemn its actions. This reluctance is echoed globally, as many nations prioritize their political alliances over human rights concerns.
The statelessness of the Rohingya, stripped of their legal rights by Myanmar, further complicates international intervention, leaving them in a legal limbo. While the crisis has garnered media attention, coverage often diminishes over time, overshadowed by other global issues. Ethnic and religious discrimination plays a significant role, with the Rohingya being a Muslim minority in a Buddhist-majority country, and their plight is often framed as an internal conflict.
Additionally, ASEAN’s non-interventionist approach has hindered regional action, further sidelining the issue. It’s time for Muslim countries to garner stronger a global response, including the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force. The international community has failed to stop the ongoing genocide and Muslim counties should take the lead in helping the Rohingya. India too must play a more active role in addressing the crisis, invoking its principle of VasudhaivaKutumbakam (the world is one family).