Sudan’s Civil War: A Potential Turning Point Amid Ongoing Turmoil

The ongoing civil war in Sudan may be approaching a pivotal moment, with recent territorial gains by the Sudanese army. Despite this, both sides continue to commit atrocities, while humanitarian aid is severely lacking. The situation is exacerbating regional instability, particularly affecting South Sudan, amid growing international neglect.

International diplomacy has yet to resolve the ongoing civil war in Sudan, one of Africa’s largest countries, though recent events indicate a possible turn in the conflict. Forces loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sudanese army chief, seized the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The RSF had ousted Burhan and his allies from the capital earlier in April 2023, following the collapse of their tenuous alliance.

In the early stages of the conflict, the RSF gained control over key locations in Khartoum, but the Sudanese army has since reclaimed these territories, culminating in the retaking of the presidential palace. Reports indicate that most RSF fighters have retreated to the eastern and southern areas of the city, leaving them holding only one critical bridge. Over the weekend, the army also regained control over Sudan’s central bank, leading to concerns of increased shelling in nearby areas.

The Sudanese military has reportedly augmented its capabilities with support from Iranian and Turkish drones, while the RSF has struggled to maintain its troops’ supplies in Khartoum. A military spokesperson heralded the palace’s recapture as a pivotal moment in asserting Sudan’s sovereignty and dignity amid the ongoing conflict.

Human rights organizations have documented atrocities committed by both factions, and in January, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Hemedti, accusing him of complicity in genocide in Darfur. Aid organizations face tremendous challenges in delivering critical supplies in an environment disrupted by warfare, raising serious humanitarian concerns.

The RSF is believed to receive support from the United Arab Emirates, which is involved in gold trading, while the Sudanese military has backing from Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. Nevertheless, peace negotiations have repeatedly faltered, with ceasefires being broken almost immediately after their establishment.

Despite recent advances by Burhan’s forces, a comprehensive victory remains elusive, as the RSF still retains control over significant regions, particularly in Darfur. Recently, RSF leaders discussed establishing a parallel government in their controlled territories, further complicating the situation.

The conflict in Sudan has repercussions for neighboring South Sudan, where a power-sharing agreement has deteriorated, exacerbated by violence and a disruption in oil export routes. There are growing concerns of a potential relapse into civil war in the region, as escalating tensions prompt evacuations of foreign personnel.

Both Sudan and South Sudan suffer from substantial international neglect. Humanitarian funding has fallen significantly short of needs, with only 6.63% of the U.N. humanitarian appeal for Sudan funded so far this year. Aid projects remain unfunded, amplifying the dire humanitarian crisis.

Despite some support from Republican officials for humanitarian aid, significant reductions in U.S. foreign assistance have led to increased suffering in Sudan. Local aid workers stress the far-reaching impacts of these cuts, which disproportionately affect a nation facing severe humanitarian challenges. Analysts have pointed to a diversion of international resources toward defense spending due to conflicts elsewhere, further undermining potential support for the Sudanese people.

In summary, while recent military gains by the Sudanese army signal a potential shift in the civil war, the situation remains dire, with both sides continuing to commit atrocities. The humanitarian crisis worsens due to a lack of international aid and ongoing violence, prompting fears of the conflict’s spillover effects into neighboring countries. A comprehensive resolution to the civil war remains distant, thus requiring urgent international attention and support to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com