Opinion | Sudan’s conflict tests global resolve for peace

OPINION – The war in Sudan has captured the attention of global and regional hubs in New York, Brussels, and Washington during the past days. “De-escalation is urgently needed, as the warring parties appear ‘unrelenting’ in their resolve to pursue military objectives” Martha Pobee Assistant UN-SG for Africa told the Security Council, warning of the growing risk of regional instability and conflict spillover.

Statements of SC members reiterated familiar positions by UK calling for unfettered access for humanitarian assistance, US accusing warring parties of diverting aid, Russia and China focusing on the sovereignty of Sudan and urging support for the new civilian government of Prime Minister Kamil Idris. However, a sense of urgency is clear among Council’s 15 members.

Similarly, the Consultative Group for the Coordination of Peace Efforts in Sudan gathered in Brussels to discuss the situation in Sudan with the participation of the EU, UN, AU, IGAD, Arab League, US, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt as well as Angola, Djibouti, and Iraq.

The meeting stressed that inaction would worsen the world’s most devastating humanitarian crisis and impede recovery efforts.

Through three sessions at the EU headquarters, partners discussed the pathways for de‑escalation, inclusive civil and political dialogue, humanitarian access and strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law. Participants agreed to hold the fifth meeting of the Group in Addis Ababa, hosted by the AU, to uphold the momentum and search for solutions.

Internally, the country is expected to face tough times with Washington sanctions coming into effect to make the economic and financial situation more thwarted. The Independent newspaper of London has published a report titled “Starving Sudanese people eating weeds to survive amid brutal war”.

The Washington Post said: “In Sudan, where children clung to life, doctors say USAID cuts have been fatal”. International organizations working in Sudan for decades are now struggling to secure funds for projects necessary to support people and keep hope alive for millions.

According to regional forecast Sudan is expected to face flood risk this year. IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre anticipates higher chance of above-normal rainfall across much of the northern Greater Horn of Africa during the critical June to September rainy season.

The outlook raises fears of widespread disruption and humanitarian challenges in already vulnerable areas.

Suffering from declining economic situation, humanitarian catastrophe, and continuing war compounded by disastrous ecological changes, the people of Sudan need a moment of selflessness consideration from regional and international powers for serious steps to negate the consequences of famine and war on children and helpless citizens.

The author holds a PhD in International Relations from LSE and chairs the Sham Reconstruction Platform. A UNESCO Peace Messenger, he has worked with the Carter Center and the UN on post-conflict reconstruction in Sudan.

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