Sudan’s Civil War: A Troubled Path to Peace
Sudan’s military leadership is reviewing a new proposal by the United States and Saudi Arabia to establish a humanitarian truce and broader cease-fire. This potential diplomatic breakthrough comes as the country approaches 1,000 days of conflict.
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- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) received the initiative, which focuses on humanitarian relief.
- The Security and Defence Council, including military and civilian figures, met to discuss it.
- The proposal aims to operationalize and monitor a cease-fire.
Conflict’s Roots and Escalation
The war stems from a ruptured alliance between military factions, leading to devastating conflict across Sudan. The struggle for power has left the country in chaos.
- The SAF, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is opposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
- The alliance collapsed over disputes about money and RSF’s integration into the regular army.
- The conflict swiftly spread beyond Khartoum, creating divided zones of control.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has taken a severe toll on the civilian population, with millions in urgent need of aid and protection.
- Tens of thousands have died, with famine declared in parts of Darfur and North Kordofan.
- Displacement figures are staggering, with millions internally and internationally displaced.
- Hospitals have collapsed, and widespread violence has been reported.
Dire Humanitarian Needs
UN projections warn that two-thirds of Sudan’s population will require humanitarian aid by 2026, underscoring the desperate need for relief and stability.
- The health sector is in ruins, with many areas lacking medical facilities.
- Incidents of sexual violence and ethnic-targeted killings have been documented.
- Both parties face accusations of war crimes and humanitarian law violations.
Diplomatic Stalemate and Regional Complexities
Multiple diplomatic efforts to mediate peace have failed amid mutual recriminations and regional tensions, with efforts often collapsing under the weight of mistrust.
- Previous negotiations brokered by the Quad and other bodies have faltered.
- Tensions are exacerbated by regional rivalries involving countries like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE.
- Sudan’s severed ties with the UAE following accusations of support to the RSF.
US-Saudi Initiative: A Glimmer of Hope?
The latest proposition by the United States and Saudi Arabia seeks to break the deadlock by focusing on humanitarian access and monitoring, essential for sustainable peace.
- The emphasis is on credible monitoring and unimpeded aid delivery.
- Washington has intensified its involvement under the new administration.
- The SAF has shown tentative interest, reflecting on potential new approaches.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the new initiative, challenges remain, with both factions seeking military advantages and external arms flows fueling the conflict.
- Military gains are prioritized over negotiations by both the SAF and RSF.
- Trust deficits and arms supplies from various countries hinder progress.
- Analysts call for prioritization of civilian protection and accountability.
The future of Sudan rests on overcoming deep-seated mistrust and prioritizing peace for its besieged citizens.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
