Vantage | Sudan, a bloody war that world has chosen to forget

In the midst of global turmoil and conflicts capturing headlines, one war seems to have slipped from the collective consciousness – the war in Sudan. Unfolding for over six months now, this conflict has escalated into a dire humanitarian crisis with devastating consequences for the people caught in the crossfire.

The conflict in Sudan pits the ruling military junta, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against his former ally, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. Hemedti leads a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), effectively his private army boasting over 100,000 troops. Battle for control The epicentre of the conflict is the capital, Khartoum, a hotspot since the war began. Recent reports indicate a significant escalation, with at least 20 people killed in a market after a shell struck on a Sunday, emphasizing the toll on civilians. The conflict has not been confined to the capital. It has spread to other parts of the country with the worst-hit region being Darfur in western Sudan. Inhabited by tribal groups distinct from Sudan’s Arab majority, Darfur’s people have become targets of ethnic killings perpetrated by the RSF. Humanitarian crisis unfolding As the RSF rapidly moves across Darfur, capturing cities like Nyala, civilians are forced to flee. Thousands are attempting to escape to neighbouring Chad, but armed groups are hunting them down along the way. Reports from those who have fled describe a grim reality of killings, displacement and the loss of everything they own. “Our people there in Ardmata were killed and displaced. Children are slaughtered, women’s money and belongings are robbed, and they can’t escape,” said Sudanese who fled to Chad, Nabila Abdel Rahman. Asiya, a Sudanese who fled to Chad, said, “They told me that my brother was killed, and we do not know where he is. I, my mother, and my sister’s children came (to Chad). We don’t know where my father is, we couldn’t find him. They burned everything and took everything. We did not bring anything with us. Only God and our clothes.” The refugee crisis is escalating, with estimates suggesting that about 7,000 people crossed into Chad in just the first three days of a month. Many arrive with only the clothes on their backs and bear the scars of bullet wounds. The crisis extends beyond Chad with thousands seeking refuge in Egypt, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn Of Africa said, “Indeed, in addition to thousands of Sudanese fleeing the conflict, more than 353,000 registered returnees and refugees from Sudan have crossed into South Sudan, in a country where two-thirds of the population is already in need of humanitarian assistance.” Regional fallout South Sudan, itself recovering from a devastating civil war that ended in 2011, is now grappling with an influx of refugees from Sudan. The UNHCR reports that over 353,000 registered returnees and refugees have crossed into South Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Dominique Hyde, UNHCR, Director of External Relations said, “The situation is dire. We’re lacking shelter, we are lacking water, we’re lacking food and all of the UN, the NGO community, is coming together, but it’s simply not sufficient for the needs. We are so concerned. You’re talking about six million people that have been displaced, both inside Sudan as well as in all of the neighbouring countries, and that because of a conflict, a conflict that can be stopped.” As the crisis worsens, the international community faces a critical question: will it intervene to stop the conflict? Humanitarian organisations, observers and the people of Sudan are pleading for action emphasizing that the conflict is not an unstoppable force but a crisis that can be addressed with global intervention. Despite the escalating human toll and cries for help, the world’s attention appears to be shifting elsewhere, leaving the people of Sudan as faceless victims of a forgotten conflict. As one war after another captures global headlines, the urgent plea for intervention in Sudan risks being drowned out, highlighting the challenges of maintaining global focus on protracted conflicts. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.