The Urgent Need for Intervention in Sudan’s War to Protect Civilians
Sudan’s ongoing conflict has led to over 20,000 deaths and left 25 million in urgent need of aid, with children suffering the most. Sexual violence is rampant, and international efforts to mediate peace have failed. The AU must take action to intervene and protect civilians in light of the severe humanitarian crises that have emerged, as the Sudanese government declines external support.
Sudan has been engulfed in a violent conflict for 20 months, predominantly fought between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This war has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths and has left approximately 25 million people facing severe hunger. Furthermore, around 14 million individuals have been displaced, with about 3.1 million having fled the country to neighboring nations such as Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Egypt.
The most vulnerable, especially children, have suffered the most from this brutal war. Reports from Doctors Without Borders indicate that one in six patients treated for war-related injuries at Bashair Teaching Hospital in South Khartoum is under the age of 15. One case involved an 18-month-old, Riyad, who was critically injured by a stray bullet while at home, highlighting the dire situation faced by countless children caught in the conflict.
Sexual violence is rampant, with both RSF and SAF forces committing heinous acts during the conflict. The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission reported that these forces have used rape as a weapon of war, with the RSF responsible for the majority of the documented cases. Survivors of these acts often face severe obstacles in accessing necessary medical care and psychological support, suffering in silence amid ongoing turmoil.
The international community, particularly the African Union (AU), must take urgent action to protect civilians affected by this war. Previous peace negotiations led by the AU, IGAD, the United States, Egypt, and Switzerland have failed to achieve sustainable agreements, with a notable example being the Jeddah Declaration, which provided no real protection for civilians post-implementation.
Despite the evident need for intervention, the Sudanese government has rejected proposals for external peacekeeping forces, framing them as violations of sovereignty. However, given the government’s inability to protect its citizens throughout 20 months of conflict, the call for international peacekeeping intervention is imperative.
The African Union must recognize its responsibility under its Constitutive Act, which permits intervention in instances of grave circumstances such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan, characterized by widespread violations of international law, demands immediate action, yet the AU risks losing legitimacy should it remain passive.
Ensuring the safety of civilians amid extensive warfare across Sudan is a significant challenge, but it is not unfeasible. The AU must implement effective planning and mobilize adequate troops, which could greatly enhance the situation for the civilian population. Sudan’s conflict not only tests the AU’s capability but also whether it can fulfill its ambitious vision for an integrated and peaceful Africa.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically over the last 20 months, particularly affecting civilian populations. With warring factions battling for control, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. Efforts by the international community and African organizations to mediate peace have largely proven unsuccessful, necessitating a discussion on external intervention to safeguard civilians who continue to endure immense hardship in conflict zones. The international response has included the UN’s condemnation of the violence and calls for an independent peacekeeping force. Unfortunately, diplomatic efforts have been ignored by the Sudanese military government, which has reframed the discourse around sovereignty, challenging the authority of outside intervention despite the catastrophic human rights violations occurring daily.
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan symbolizes the failure to protect innocent lives in the face of relentless violence. The African Union has a critical role to play in addressing this tragedy by deploying peacekeeping forces to protect civilians. Without decisive action, the suffering of Sudan’s population will only deepen, leaving an indelible mark on what is already the worst of humanity’s actions during this conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
