Sudan's descent into chaos demands urgent global action

Sudan, Africa’s third-largest nation by area, is engulfed in a brutal war that has catapulted its 50 million citizens into extreme despair. While the world is focused on Ukraine and the Middle East, the devastating conflict in Sudan struggles to capture global attention. Since April 2023, a ferocious power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has plunged the country into an acute humanitarian crisis.

This war traces its roots to 2021 when the army and Rapid Support Forces jointly toppled a civilian-led government. However, mutual distrust between the two factions eventually flared into open conflict. Rapid Support Forces commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemedti," seeks to claim Sudan’s leadership, whereas army generals insist on maintaining military rule. This relentless quest for power has plunged Sudan into chaos, with both sides showing little regard for the devastating toll on civilians.

Sudan’s unfolding crisis is not just a violent power struggle — it’s a deeper reckoning with governance, legitimacy and the country’s precarious future. At the heart of this chaos lies a pivotal question: Who, if anyone, can guide Sudan toward stability? Is it the Sudanese Armed Forces, steeped in its self-proclaimed role as guardian of national sovereignty? Could it be the Rapid Support Forces, positioning itself as a champion of the people? Or might a third force — likely external — become the broker of an elusive peace?

With a history of recurrent coups and heavy-handed governance, the Sudanese Armed Forces have traditionally dominated Sudanese politics and carry a legacy profusely tainted by corruption, mismanagement and egregious human rights violations. Despite such shortcomings, being the recognized military force, it has a central command system, but its credibility is fraying. Decades of authoritarianism have eroded public trust, and internal divisions within the army have exposed vulnerabilities. Civilian groups, striving for democracy, view the army as an impediment rather than a solution.

On the other side, the Rapid Support Forces wield power through its decentralized structure and aggressive tactics, bolstered by economic resources and a populist narrative. Its leader, Hemedti, has sought to rebrand it as a protector of marginalized communities, particularly in Darfur. Yet this veneer of populism masks a brutal reality.

Sudan’s trajectory hinges on unraveling these competing narratives — a task as complex as the country’s own troubled history.

The crisis unfolding in Sudan is a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions, one that demands urgent global attention. Over 11 million Sudanese have been uprooted within their own borders, marking the country as the epicenter of the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. Beyond its borders, another 3 million refugees have sought safety in neighboring nations like Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, overwhelming host countries already teetering under limited resources.

Inside Sudan, the situation is dire. The health care system is on the brink of collapse, with up to 80 percent of hospitals in conflict zones rendered nonfunctional. Critical medical supplies are alarmingly scarce, leaving millions without access to life-saving care. Compounding this is an escalating food crisis that threatens the survival of nearly 25 million, half of the country’s population. Agricultural disruptions, soaring food prices and ongoing violence have pushed some regions toward famine-like conditions, according to the UN World Food Program.

The human toll extends far beyond hunger and health care. Civilians endure daily threats, from aerial bombardments to ground assaults, while reports of sexual and gender-based violence have surged. Women and girls, particularly vulnerable during displacement, face harrowing ordeals in overcrowded camps, where safety is elusive. The psychological and physical scars of this violence are profound, leaving an indelible mark on Sudan's future.

The sheer scale of suffering in Sudan underscores an urgent need for coordinated international action to alleviate the plight of its people and prevent further destabilization in the region. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces is a stark reminder of the deep fissures left by decades of misrule and fractured governance. It is a crisis that cries out for attention, yet the global response is so far woefully inadequate. These grim statistics should compel action, yet Sudan finds itself largely sidelined in global discourse.

The moral and strategic stakes are immense. A protracted conflict threatens not only Sudan but also the broader Horn of Africa, amplifying the potential for regional destabilization. Sudan’s path to stability hinges not just on its people but on the engagement of regional powers and the international community to craft a political solution that halts the slide into chaos.

What must be done? First, meeting the United Nations’ $4.2 billion funding target for 2025 is essential. This would enable critical aid — food, medicine and clean water — to reach the most vulnerable Sudanese. Governments, private donors and international financial institutions must step up to close this funding gap. But the response cannot stop at humanitarian assistance. A coordinated effort to mediate between the two warring sides, coupled with support for civil society and grassroots movements, is crucial.

Sudan deserves the same global resolve that has been mobilized in other conflict zones. Anything less would be a profound failure of international solidarity and a betrayal of the Sudanese people.

Sudan’s descent into chaos demands sustained and unified global action. Diplomatic pressure must be applied to ensure the warring factions adhere to ceasefires and commit to genuine negotiations. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE have signaled interest in mediation, offering a glimmer of hope for dialogue. These efforts, however, need reinforcement through robust support from the United Nations, the European Union and other international stakeholders.

Central to any resolution is the role of the African Union. Its intricate understanding of Sudan’s complexities and established connections with key players make it uniquely suited to lead peacebuilding efforts. The African Union’s engagement is not just important — it is indispensable. Collaboration between the African Union and global powers could create a powerful coalition for stability. Joint peacekeeping missions, synchronized diplomatic strategies, and shared intelligence would amplify the impact of intervention efforts.

Just as crucial, the African Union’s local credibility could ensure that Sudanese voices are central to peace talks, fostering a resolution that is both inclusive and enduring. Time is running out, but the possibility of peace still flickers.

Imran Khalid is a physician and has a master’s degree in international relations.

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