The ongoing hostilities in Sudan have led to catastrophic outcomes for civilians, causing numerous fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of people. The latest clashes between the military and paramilitary forces, which occurred in April 2023, have intensified the crisis in the country. The reported killing of medical professionals and the looting of humanitarian and health facilities are additional manifestations of the tragic cycle of violence that has engulfed Sudan for several years.
The situation in West Darfur's Ag Geneina is especially disconcerting, as the principal referral hospital has been impacted by the conflict, leading to the absence of essential healthcare services for the populace. This is consistent with the larger chunk of healthcare centers becoming progressively inaccessible as the conflict drags on. In Khartoum, for example, a significant proportion (61%) of healthcare facilities have closed down, resulting in many patients with chronic illnesses being unable to access essential treatment. The intermittent power supply has rendered the small remaining blood reserves at the Central Blood Bank unusable, and the cold chain required to maintain vaccine potency has been disrupted, thereby endangering the lives of millions of children.
The conflict is having a significant effect on children, with millions forced out of school and exposed to potential transgressions such as sexual assault and enlistment into armed groups. The risk of diarrheal illnesses is high, and people are resorting to drinking river water to survive as the hostilities disrupt the water supply.
The fundamental cause of the conflict in Sudan can be attributed to the ongoing struggle for power between the two primary factions of the military regime, namely the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The former aligns with the de facto ruler of the country, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, while the latter is under the leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as Hemedti.
This struggle for power can be traced back to the period preceding the 2019 popular uprising that led to the removal of the despotic ruler, Omar al-Bashir, from power. Al-Bashir had purposely pitted his powerful security forces against each other, and following his ouster, a confrontation between the military factions was deemed inevitable. As early as 2022, diplomats in Khartoum had issued warnings that such violent confrontations were likely to occur. The RSF, established by al-Bashir to quell an insurgency in Darfur that arose due to the political and economic marginalization of local people, evolved into a semi-structured paramilitary force commonly referred to as the Janjaweed. The RSF, led by Hemedti, worked in collaboration with the regular military forces under Burhan to depose al-Bashir in 2019 and later dispersed a peaceful sit-in in Khartoum, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and the rape of several others.
The power-sharing agreement between the civilian leaders who spearheaded the protests against al-Bashir and the military, which was intended to usher in a democratic government, was interrupted by a coup in October 2021. This coup restored military rule, but the army faced renewed isolation, frequent protests, and worsening economic hardships. Hemedti supported a new transition plan, which put him at odds with Burhan.
The civilian demand for military oversight and the integration of the RSF into the regular armed forces has been a central cause of tension since the 2019 uprising. Civilians have also called for the military holdings in agriculture, trade, and other industries to be handed over, as these are a crucial source of power for the army that has often outsourced military action to regional militias. Additionally, the pursuit of justice for allegations of war crimes committed by the military and its allies in the conflict in Darfur from 2003 has been another point of contention. The International Criminal Court is seeking trials for Bashir and other Sudanese suspects. Justice is also being sought over the killings of pro-democracy protesters in June 2019, in which military forces are implicated.
Sudan's strategic location and agricultural wealth have attracted regional power plays, which have complicated the chances of a successful transition to a civilian-led government. Sudan's neighbors, including Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan, have been affected by political upheavals and conflict. Sudan's relationship with Ethiopia, in particular, has been strained over issues including disputed farmland along their border. Sudanese refugees have fled the recent fighting to the country's neighbors, including thousands who have crossed into Chad. Major geopolitical dimensions are also at play, with Russia, the US and other powers battling for influence in Sudan.
The cycle of violence that has plagued Sudan for decades must be brought to an end through a peaceful resolution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict. A civilian-led government with military oversight and the integration of the RSF into the regular armed forces is needed to ensure that the military does not have unchecked power. Additionally, military holdings in agriculture, trade, and other industries must be handed over, and allegations of war crimes must be investigated and justice served.
To break this cycle of violence, all parties involved in the conflict must commit to a peaceful resolution. This requires a sincere and genuine effort to engage in dialogue and reconciliation, with a willingness to compromise and address the concerns of all sides. The involvement of international actors, such as the United Nations and the African Union, is crucial in this regard, as they can provide mediation and support for peace negotiations. These actors can help to create an enabling environment for peace talks, facilitate confidence-building measures, and ensure that the needs and concerns of all parties are taken into account.
In addition to the involvement of international actors, there is a need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the root causes of the conflict. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources and services, as well as promoting good governance and accountability. Only by addressing these underlying issues can the cycle of violence be broken and a sustainable peace achieved.
While external actors have a role to play in supporting peace efforts, ultimately, the responsibility for ending the cycle of violence in Sudan rests with the Sudanese people and their leaders.
To achieve a lasting peace in Sudan, a comprehensive approach is necessary that addresses the underlying economic, social, and political issues that have contributed to the conflict. One crucial aspect of this approach is ensuring equitable access to resources. Sudan is a country rich in natural resources, including oil, gold, and agricultural land. However, access to these resources has not been evenly distributed, leading to tensions between different groups.
In summation, the continual violent confrontations in Sudan and their accompanying humanitarian calamities serve to illuminate the unfortunate recurring pattern of violent events that have persistently besieged the country for several decades. The sole viable method of disrupting and ultimately breaking this entrenched pattern is through an authentic and resolute pledge towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts that necessitates a spirit of conciliation, compromise, and dialogue. While the global community bears a critical obligation to aid and sustain this procedure, the ultimate burden rests upon the Sudanese citizenry and their leaders.
The recurrent cycle of violence in Sudan reveals an intricate and multifaceted challenge that encompasses historical, cultural, social, and economic factors. This enduring problem has disrupted the country's development and stability, exacerbated the suffering of its people, and undermined prospects for the establishment of a just and prosperous society. Consequently, Sudan requires a robust, holistic, and comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of violence and institutes policies and programs that foster peace and stability.
The approach must entail an unwavering commitment to peaceful resolution, which requires a transformative mindset shift from a zero-sum game towards one of mutual benefit and cooperation. Such an approach must be underpinned by a culture of dialogue, compromise, and reconciliation, where conflicting parties are encouraged to engage in constructive engagement and seek common ground. As a result, the parties involved can arrive at durable and equitable solutions that address their respective grievances.
-----------
*The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of "Al-Mujtama" or its members.
**Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
