Sudan’s Crisis: The World’s Forgotten Tragedy

Authors- Ishika Arun, Misha Sheth, Anjil Gupta

A prolonged state of crisis exists in Sudan because of a combination of ethnic, economic and political tension. Civil wars plus famine together with present-day violence forced people to become displaced across the country. A full-scale humanitarian crisis has emerged from the April 2023 conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that resulted in thousands of fatalities and millions of people being displaced. An ongoing power battle between military factions created chaos across the nation thus involving area and global forces and making the situation worse (De Waal, 2015). The existing humanitarian crisis in Sudan keeps intensifying because basic infrastructure fails and food runs short while medical assistance remains scarce (International Crisis Group, 2023).

Since 1956 Sudan has maintained independence as a country which inherited its colonial heritage from British-Egyptian governance. The nation received profound cultural and geographic boundaries that placed Arab-Muslim rulers in control of the north region while African ethnic people inhabited the southern parts. The prolonged civil wars that started and ended between 1955 and 1972 and 1983 and 2005 lead to South Sudan gaining independence in 2011 (Jok, 2017). The peace agreements could not stop fighting between government troops and non-Arab groups in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile as authorities were accused of war crimes against these communities. Following South Sudan’s independence Sudan faced severe economic decline because it lost substantial oil revenue which worsened political instability across the country (Prunier 2005). Additional internal conflicts emerged because of limited economic specialization together with administrative corruption and insufficient governance that prolonged Sudan’s unstable state (Al-Affendi, 2019).

The current crisis in Sudan is led by two major groups namely the SAF under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti). SAF serves as Sudan’s government military establishment but RSF emerged through the violent militia activities of Janjaweed forces that fought during the Darfur conflict (Flint & De Waal 2008). The peace initiative faces additional hurdles because rebel groups including Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and Justice and Equality Movement maintain operations in marginalized parts of the country. Different regional states including Egypt and the UAE as well as Saudi Arabia utilize their own strategic objectives in Sudan. International institutions led by the United Nations along with the African Union attempt to intervene in the situation but achieve limited results because various international powers continue pursuing their strategic interests (Shinn & Ofcansky, 2013). The fields of conflict have grown increasingly complicated because foreign mercenaries together with proxy forces now play active roles (Mundy, 2022).

Current hostilities have created what the United Nations considers one of the most extensive humanitarian disasters worldwide. More than 5 million people fled their homes with reports from the United Nations indicating their destination as neighbouring Chad, South Sudan and Egypt. The conflict areas have revealed numerous reports of war crimes which consist of widescale executions along with sexual abuse and attacks against noncombatant populations (Verhoeven, 2018). The serious food shortage and water scarcity and medical supply restrictions have worsened the suffering because aid agencies cannot bring support to areas because of security risks. Sudan’s current humanitarian emergency deepens because outside organizations show minimal focus and delayed action towards aid efforts. According to De Waal (2015), the nation faces possible failure as an international state because of insufficient diplomatic action and substantial humanitarian assistance. Geopolitical difficulties together with economic hurdles create substantial obstacles for the international community to execute proper intervention in Sudan. Millions face increasing difficulty in surviving due to the intensifying food shortages brought upon by environmental changes and climate change deterioration (Müller, 2021).

Although Sudan faces a serious crisis the worldwide media has directed less attention to it in comparison to various other international conflicts. Smith (2023) verifies that the combination of geopolitical motivations and the absence of economic involvement and the parallel crises in Ukraine and the Middle East has led to Sudanese human rights being ignored. Selective media reporting and biased reporting have contributed to decreased global interest for addressing the situation. Sudan, a nation strategically located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, has long been a focal point of international relations and geopolitical maneuvering. Its position along the Red Sea, proximity to vital shipping routes, and abundant natural resources make it a key player in regional and global politics. However, Sudan’s ongoing crisis—marked by political instability, economic collapse, and violent conflict—has drawn the attention of major powers, regional actors, and international organizations. This essay explores Sudan’s strategic significance, the roles of major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union (EU), regional dynamics involving Egypt, Ethiopia, and the African Union (AU), the impact of international sanctions and aid, and the challenges of humanitarian intervention under the principle of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Sudan’s geopolitical importance stems from its location along the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. The Red Sea is a vital route for global trade, particularly for oil shipments from the Middle East to Europe and beyond. Sudan’s Port Sudan, the country’s main seaport, is a strategic asset for both regional and international actors. Additionally, Sudan’s vast territory, which borders seven countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, positions it as a gateway between North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel region. This strategic location has made Sudan a focal point for competing interests among global powers seeking to secure access to resources, trade routes, and political influence in Africa.

The involvement of major powers in Sudan reflects the country’s geopolitical significance. The United States has historically engaged with Sudan, initially through sanctions during the Omar al-Bashir regime due to its support for terrorism and human rights abuses. However, following South Sudan’s secession in 2011, the U.S. shifted its focus to fostering peace and stability in the region. In recent years, the U.S. has provided humanitarian aid and supported transitional governments, albeit with limited success in curbing violence.

China, on the other hand, has prioritized economic interests in Sudan, particularly in the oil and infrastructure sectors. As one of Sudan’s largest trading partners and investors, China has sought to protect its investments and secure access to Sudanese oil, which is crucial for its energy security. China’s non-interference policy in domestic affairs has allowed it to maintain close ties with successive Sudanese governments, even as the country descended into chaos. Russia has also sought to expand its influence in Sudan, primarily through military cooperation and arms sales. Russian private military contractors, such as the Wagner Group, have been reportedly active in Sudan, exploiting the country’s instability to secure mining concessions and strengthen Moscow’s foothold in Africa. Russia’s engagement in Sudan aligns with its broader strategy of challenging Western influence in the Global South.

The European Union, meanwhile, has focused on addressing the root causes of Sudan’s crisis, including governance, human rights, and economic development. The EU has provided significant humanitarian aid and supported peacebuilding initiatives, but its efforts have been hampered by the lack of a unified approach among member states and the complexity of Sudan’s internal dynamics. Sudan’s crisis has significant implications for its neighbors, particularly Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile River for its water supply, views Sudan as a critical ally in its disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Sudan’s instability threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of power in the region, prompting Egypt to engage diplomatically and militarily to safeguard its interests. Ethiopia, meanwhile, has its own stakes in Sudan’s stability. The two countries share a long and porous border, and Sudan hosts thousands of Ethiopian refugees fleeing conflict in the Tigray region. However, tensions over border disputes and the GERD have strained relations, complicating efforts to address shared challenges.

The African Union (AU) has played a central role in mediating Sudan’s crisis, advocating for democratic transitions and peace agreements. The AU’s commitment to “African solutions to African problems” has been tested by the complexity of Sudan’s conflict and the divergent interests of its member states. Despite these challenges, the AU remains a key player in efforts to stabilize Sudan and promote regional cooperation. International sanctions and aid have had a mixed impact on Sudan’s crisis. Sanctions imposed during the al-Bashir era were intended to pressure the regime to end human rights abuses and support for terrorism. While these measures isolated Sudan economically and politically, they also contributed to the country’s economic decline, exacerbating poverty and instability. The lifting of sanctions following al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019 was seen as a step toward normalization, but the subsequent collapse of the transitional government has raised questions about the effectiveness of such measures.

Humanitarian aid, meanwhile, has been a lifeline for millions of Sudanese affected by conflict and economic hardship. International organizations and donor countries have provided food, medical supplies, and other essential resources, but access to affected areas is often hindered by violence and bureaucratic obstacles. The politicization of aid further complicates efforts to address the crisis, as competing factions seek to control the distribution of resources. The principle of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), adopted by the United Nations in 2005, obligates the international community to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Sudan’s crisis, which has been marked by widespread violence and human rights abuses, presents a compelling case for R2P. However, the implementation of this principle has been fraught with challenges.

The lack of consensus among major powers, particularly in the UN Security Council, has hindered effective intervention. While some countries advocate for robust action to protect civilians, others prioritize state sovereignty and non-interference. The complexity of Sudan’s conflict, which involves multiple armed groups and external actors, further complicates efforts to implement R2P. Sudan’s crisis is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing international relations and geopolitics in the 21st century. The country’s strategic location and resources have made it a battleground for competing interests among major powers and regional actors. While international sanctions and aid have had limited success in addressing the crisis, the principle of R2P remains a contentious and underutilized tool for protecting civilians. As Sudan continues to grapple with instability, the international community must navigate the complexities of its crisis with a coordinated and principled approach, balancing geopolitical interests with the urgent need for peace and humanitarian relief. Sudan is going through one of the most serious civil wars today in the world and needs urgent humanitarian aid. According to the UN report more than 25 million people are in need of aid . the war led to large killing of people and human atrocities including the reports of ethnic violence rape and mass exodus . The efforts of aid have been obstructed by bureaucratic obstacles and insecurity . Looting of regional supplies has been common . The current situation is further deteriorated by collapse of critical infrastructure, inflation and economic slowdown

Attempts for a ceasefire have been made by various governmental and non governmental actors like the African Union,United Nations ,Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) but failed due to conflicting reasons . Jeddah talks brokered by the US and Saudi Arabia have also not been long-lasting. Women have also actively participated in pro democracy movement they continued to demand justice and inclusivity Their remarkable revolution in 2019 has gained public gaze against Bashir’s regime Various tribal leaders and religious leaders has taken initiatives these often makes way for glimmer of hope in bleak landscape

If the fighting continues then it will lead to the division of the country in ethnic lines like Libya and Syria making resolution Even more harder. Moreover military victory of even one side will pave way for authoritarian regime and anti democratic steps International agencies and pro democratic should work in collaboration for common vision in a direction of civilian led government They should work for ceasefire agreement with the help of private, public and international stakeholders

The Sudan Crisis is not just a domestic issue but a significant geopolitical issue that has significant consequences in the international arena and global security . The crisis has spillover effect to its neighbouring countries like ethiopia,chad,South Sudan this led to pressure of refugees in other countries, Moreover it’s strategic location in Red Sea makes country more important as crisis continues it could disrupt international trade routes it can also exploit Power vacuum failure to act decisively on these issues can led to human catastrophe While roads of peace to Sudan are very difficult but by prioritising inclusivity and democratic approach Sudan can move forward for a more stable road .

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