Recent Developments in Sudan’s Civil War: Implications and Humanitarian Crisis
The Sudanese Armed Forces have achieved significant victories in Khartoum against the RSF, raising hopes of a shift in the civil war’s dynamic. However, with continued violence and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, peace remains distant. The potential for fragmentation of the country looms as both sides pursue military advantage amid international calls for negotiation.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have announced significant victories in the capital city of Khartoum against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a potential turning point in the ongoing civil war. With nearly two years into the conflict, the SAF’s recent control of key locations, including the airport and presidential palace, raises questions about the future dynamics of the war, though hostilities remain far from conclusion.
Major successes for the SAF include the recapture of Khartoum and its airport, lost to the RSF at the war’s inception in April 2023. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan proclaimed control over the city, indicating a potential shift in momentum toward the army as they push back RSF forces. This dominance over Khartoum is crucial, as it has long been a strategic battleground and political symbol in the conflict.
Despite these military advancements, experts caution that the war is not approaching an end. The rivalry between the SAF and RSF continues to escalate, with both factions controlling significant territories and engaging in intense clashes across regions, including Darfur and Kordofan. The possibility for dialogue and a peace process diminishes as both sides intensify airstrikes, particularly in urban areas, causing civilian casualties and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing power struggle has precipitated one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with over 12 million people displaced and millions facing severe food shortages. Contradictory accusations of aid obstruction and resource looting have surfaced between the combatants, exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population. Reports indicate that nearly 25 million individuals are experiencing dire food shortages, with a pressing need for assistance in Sudan’s collapsing healthcare system.
Looking forward, experts express concerns regarding a potential partition or fragmentation of Sudan, especially after the RSF proposed a separate government. As the international community pushes for renewed negotiations, the likelihood of continued attrition warfare appears imminent, given neither faction’s inclination towards compromise in this protracted conflict.
In conclusion, while recent victories in Khartoum by the Sudanese Armed Forces suggest a potential shift in the conflict, the ongoing nature of hostilities combined with significant humanitarian crises indicates that peace remains elusive. As both sides fortify their positions, the broader implications of the conflict, including possible fragmentation of Sudan, present serious challenges ahead. International efforts towards mediation are crucial yet complicated by entrenched divisions and external support for both factions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
