Sudan, once a symbol of hope in Africa’s struggle for democracy, has descended into chaos and violence. Since April 2023, the country has been embroiled in a brutal civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). What began as a political power struggle has quickly spiraled into one of the most devastating conflicts in Africa, claiming tens of thousands of lives, displacing millions, and leaving the country’s future hanging in the balance. As Sudan teeters on the brink of collapse, the question remains: will the international community rise to prevent further suffering, or will the world watch as yet another African nation is consumed by violence?
The Rise of Conflict: A Power Struggle
Sudan’s recent turmoil is the result of a long history of political instability. In 2019, after months of mass protests, longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir was overthrown, offering hope for a peaceful transition toward democracy. A civilian-military power-sharing agreement was brokered, paving the way for a new government. However, this fragile peace was shattered in October 2021, when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led a military coup, ousting the civilian-led government and plunging Sudan back into authoritarian rule.
In the months that followed, Sudan’s military and paramilitary factions — particularly the SAF and the RSF — entered into increasingly bitter competition for control of the country. What was once an alliance between these two powerful forces has now deteriorated into a violent confrontation. The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemeti), has grown into a formidable military force, while the SAF, which represents the more traditional army, has sought to maintain its dominance.
On April 15, 2023, tensions between the two factions exploded into full-scale warfare, plunging Sudan into a deadly and destructive
conflict that has devastated the country.
The Humanitarian Crisis: The Toll on Civilians
The human cost of the war in Sudan has been catastrophic. The conflict has left more than 100,000 people dead, according to several humanitarian agencies, and displaced over 5.6 million people, many of whom have fled to neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. Civilians in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, have borne the brunt of the violence, with neighborhoods turned into battlefields, and vital infrastructure reduced to rubble.
The conflict has wreaked havoc on Sudan’s already fragile healthcare system. Hospitals have been bombed or abandoned, while healthcare workers have been caught in the crossfire. Access to food, clean water, and medicine is increasingly limited, leaving millions at risk of starvation, disease, and preventable death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the situation is dire, with diseases like cholera and malnutrition spreading rapidly due to a lack of basic resources. Additionally, the destruction of vital infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has made it almost impossible for aid organizations to reach those in need. For many Sudanese, survival has become a daily struggle.
The Collapse of Sudan's Economy
Alongside the human suffering, Sudan’s economy has collapsed under the weight of war. The country was already grappling with severe economic challenges, including hyperinflation and widespread poverty. The conflict has only made matters worse. The Central Bank of Sudan is unable to function properly, and the country’s currency has lost significant value, further exacerbating inflation.
The war has also disrupted trade and production. Sudan was once a major producer of crops like sorghum and millet, but agricultural production has plummeted as farmland is ravaged by fighting. The destruction of oil infrastructure, once a key pillar of Sudan’s economy, has also pushed the country into economic ruin. As a result, more than 40% of the population now faces food insecurity, and millions are struggling to survive.
International Response: A Flawed Strategy
While the international community has expressed outrage over the violence in Sudan, its response has been slow and ineffective. The United Nations, the African Union, and Western countries have all condemned the violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations between the warring factions. However, these calls have largely gone unheeded.
The African Union, for example, has been criticized for its failure to take more decisive action. Though it has called for peace talks, it lacks the capacity to enforce a ceasefire. Similarly, the United States, the European Union, and other Western powers have imposed sanctions on Sudanese leaders but have been hesitant to take more direct steps to intervene in the conflict.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, there is little hope for an immediate resolution. Peace talks have stalled, and the fighting continues with no clear end in sight.
A Call for Action: Supporting Peace and Justice
As the war in Sudan rages on, the international community must step up its efforts to bring about peace. Humanitarian assistance must be urgently increased to address the immediate needs of those affected by the conflict. The UN and other international organizations must be granted full access to provide aid, and all warring factions must respect international humanitarian law and cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Moreover, it is crucial that the international community take stronger measures to hold Sudan’s military leaders accountable for their actions. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure are necessary, but more tangible actions — including arms embargoes and targeted interventions — may be required to compel both the SAF and the RSF to halt their violent campaign.
Sudan’s future lies in the hands of its people. For peace to be achieved, Sudan’s leaders must put the welfare of their citizens first. But without strong international support, the struggle for democracy and justice in Sudan will remain an uphill battle. The time for action is now.
Conclusion: A Hope for the Future
Sudan is at a crossroads. Its history of revolution, military coups, and failed transitions has led to the current crisis. Yet, despite the overwhelming suffering, there remains a glimmer of hope for a better future — a future where Sudan can finally break free from its cycle of violence and instability and build a peaceful, democratic society. But for that to happen, the international community must act decisively, and Sudan’s leaders must commit to peace. Until then, millions of Sudanese will continue to endure unimaginable hardship.
