As Sudan’s conflict enters its first year, the toll of relentless violence continues to mount, leaving devastation and despair in its wake. Thousands have lost their lives, millions are displaced, and vital infrastructure lies in ruins. Amidst this chaos, General Al-Burhan and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) find themselves losing control of vast swathes of the country, retreating to the strategic port city of Port Sudan, their last stronghold.
The dispute that has ravaged Sudan has roots—of course. And regardless of who’s to blame for the ongoing chaos, violence and devastation throughout the country, it’s necessary to look back at the reasons behind the dispute and who the political map functioned in the country before the violence broke out.
Signs of rivalry between the two factions have surfaced since the establishment of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, which was tasked with governing during a transitional period following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. Army Commander Al-Burhan was appointed as the head of the Sovereignty Council, with Rapid Support Forces Commander Hemedti assuming the role of Vice President. Tensions came to a head when the army, backed by the Rapid Support Forces, made the decision to dissolve the Sovereignty Council, which comprised both civilian and military members, dismiss transitional Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok’s government, and seize direct control on October 25, 2021.
Who’s to blame?
As previously stated, the dispute in Sudan chiefly involves two essential factions: The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with the former headed by General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan and the latter led by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (aka Hemedti).
For Al-Burhan, he has undeniable links with the Islamists—particularly the Muslim Brotherhood. It’s a deep-rooted alliance inherited from the reign of ousted President Omar Al-Bashir. A segment of the revolutionary forces rejects Al-Burhan in two aspects: In that he had affiliations with the Islamist movement, with many of its active members enrolled in the Sudanese army—both as soldiers and commanders—and that he is a stalwart of the ousted regime. They believe that his absence from the Sudanese arena would pave the way for a real, profound, and hoped-for revolutionary change the country badly needs.
Hemedti, on the other hand, is seen by another segment of the revolutionaries as an advocate of the revolutionary trajectory. Unlike al-Burhan, he calls for handing over power to civilians, basing his agenda on a vision for the future of Sudan—encompassing both the political process and the Armed Forces’ role.
A grim reality, a belated future
Bloody battles have claimed the lives of over 13,000 Sudanese, with no respite in sight. Furthermore, the specter of famine looms large, threatening countless lives as hunger grips the displaced population, now exceeding 10 million, with 9 million remaining within the country’s borders, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration.
Famine Crisis: United Nations estimates paint a grim picture, revealing that 18 million Sudanese face severe food insecurity, with five million teetering on the brink of famine. The dire situation is epitomized by the heartbreaking reality at the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, where a child succumbs to hunger every two hours, as reported by Doctors Without Borders.
Warnings of impending famine reverberate across Sudan, with officials in West Kordofan State sounding the alarm following a surge in displacement due to violent clashes. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme issues a stark warning, cautioning that Sudan’s protracted conflict may spark the world’s largest hunger crisis.
South Sudan, overwhelmed by the influx of 600,000 refugees fleeing the war, faces its own humanitarian catastrophe. Cindy McCain underscores the dire situation, revealing that one in every five children in border shelters suffers from malnutrition, painting a grim picture of the crisis.
Children bearing the brunt
Save the Children’s dire prediction that 230,000 children and new mothers may perish in Sudan due to the war sends shockwaves through the international community. The organization’s urgent call for action emphasizes the need for decisive measures to avert further tragedy.
The toll of the ongoing conflict is staggering, with thousands dead and eight million displaced. Save the Children’s Arif Nour laments the devastation, highlighting the destruction of vital resources and the deteriorating nutritional conditions facing Sudanese communities.
Sudan grapples with a severe nutritional crisis, with millions of children suffering from acute malnutrition. Save the Children’s warning that current funding covers only a fraction of Sudan’s needs underscores the urgent need for increased support to avert catastrophe.
Urgent action is imperative, as Sudan faces one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. The plight of Sudan’s children underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to alleviate their suffering and safeguard their rights amidst the ravages of war.
As Sudan’s humanitarian crisis deepens, urgent intervention is essential to address the escalating catastrophe and prevent further loss of life. International solidarity and support are crucial to providing lifesaving assistance to those affected by the conflict. It is imperative that governments, humanitarian organizations, and the international community prioritize funding and resources to alleviate the suffering of Sudan’s vulnerable populations and pave the way for a sustainable path to peace and recovery.
The blame game aside, Sudan’s warring generals are driving the country towards the abyss. The Islamists are insistent on keeping power, regardless of the danger this could pose to Sudan’s future. Yet infighting’s continuation will further exacerbate the country’s suffering, with an urgent need for the international community to bring the carnages to a stop. The warring generals need to be stopped. According to many observers, Sudan must be governed by one leader rather than two. A body cannot function with two heads. There’s no such thing in the world. And hence, it appears urgent that the ongoing battle must tip in one side—with the most representing and deserving faction winning and becoming Sudan’s survival.
