Sudan's Ongoing Crisis: Ethnic Targeting, Clashes, and Failed Mediation Leave Millions Displaced and Hundreds Dead
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in ethnic targeting, displacement of thousands, and accusations of looting. Mediation attempts have been unsuccessful, worsening the already dire situation in the country.;
Despite various mediation efforts, there has been no sustained ceasefire between the warring parties. Both the army and the RSF have sent delegations to Jeddah for talks, but these have often been violated.
The Sudanese foreign minister stated that indirect talks have not yet started seriously. The conflict stems from the diverging plans for a transition to democracy between the army and the RSF, which have jointly ruled since the ouster of former ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
Civilian political groups and the RSF have accused the army of ignoring appearances by wanted Bashir loyalists in recent days. Meanwhile, the main civilian coalition, Forces of Freedom and Change, has held a meeting in Egypt, which has offered itself as a mediator in the conflict.
Clashes and violence have persisted in Sudan for 100 days, leaving millions displaced and hundreds dead. The deteriorating infrastructure and government in Khartoum have further worsened the situation. The conflict has spread to other regions, including Darfur, where the RSF has occupied villages and looting has been reported.
Ethnically targeted attacks by Arab militias and the RSF have forced numerous people to flee to neighboring Chad. In Nyala, clashes have resulted in deaths and displacement. The RSF soldiers have been accused of looting and occupying areas in the capital.
A tragic incident occurred when a civilian Antonov plane crashed, resulting in the death of nine people, including military personnel. Mediation attempts have not been successful in establishing a sustained ceasefire between the warring factions. Talks in Jeddah have been attempted, but ongoing violations have hindered progress.
The conflict has its roots in the divergent plans for a transition to democracy between the army and the RSF, who have jointly governed since the ousting of Omar al-Bashir. Civilian political groups, as well as the RSF, have criticized the army for ignoring appearances by wanted Bashir loyalists.
The Forces of Freedom and Change, the main civilian coalition, have sought mediation in Egypt. The situation remains dire in Sudan as violence and displacement continue, while efforts for peace struggle to gain traction.