Crisis in Sudan

Sudan is in crisis as escalating conflict has caused mass displacement, an economic crisis, and a collapse of healthcare services. The war is a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Officials estimate that the violence in Sudan has killed at least 15,500 people, while other estimates are as high as 150,000. 

Sudan’s crisis can be understood through the past decades of political instability. In 2019, the removal of authoritarian leader Omar al-Bashir was at first a hopeful development for a return to civilian rule in Sudan. However, a military coup in 2021 dissolved the civilian government. This triggered political and economic turmoil and has stoked the flames of internal conflicts in the country. The war has pushed over 25 million Sudanese civilians in need of humanitarian aid, which is more than half of Sudan’s population. “United Nations investigators have reported that the country is in the grips of mass famine, although an official famine designation has not been made. The euphemism of food deprivation is presently being used to describe the dire food situation in Sudan.” Millions of people have fled their homes due to the violent crisis, with upwards of 12 million people displaced. Most people remain in the country, meaning that this is one of the largest displacement crises in the world. 

Sudan is also affected, as much of the rest of the Global South, by global climate change. Floods and droughts across the country have created unlivable conditions, with mass crop and livestock destruction. Attacks on the healthcare infrastructure have created conditions where people are not able to access lifesaving care. UNHCR reports that almost three quarters of health facilities are out of service, and diseases including cholera, measles, and malaria are spreading. They also estimate that two-thirds of the population lacks access to healthcare. 

The conflict does not exist in a singular vacuum – Western countries and African nations have a role to play in the violence. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel have played key roles in exacerbating the conflict. The Arab Center in DC reports that these groups have a vested interest in preventing Sudan from having a civilian and democratic government. The Gulf Arab countries have strong relations with the former regime of Omar al-Bashir. Al-Bashir previously sent military assistance and troops against the Saudi and UAE war against the Houthis in Yemen in 2015. Saudi Arabia also has economic and financial “investments” across the agriculture, energy, water, sanitation, transportation, and telecommunications sectors in Sudan. 

 Israel is attempting to normalize diplomatic relations with Sudan, and has a vested interest to do so. In 2020, the UAE arranged a secret meeting between Hemedti, a general in the RSF, and the then director of Mossad (Israeli intelligence/propaganda arm). 

The many state and non-state actors invested in destabilizing Sudan are responsible for the horror that Sudanese people are going through. When understanding a conflict like this, it’s important to highlight each angle – from geopolitical interests to climate change to gender. Global agencies such as the UN and Amnesty International have addressed the violence in Sudan – advocating for a ceasefire between the fighting factions and a cessation of military support. Amnesty International published a report in 2023 detailing the conflict and violence. 

It is further problematic that Sudan is not a well-known issue in mainstream Muslim society. We must increase awareness about Sudan as our Muslim brothers and sisters in the country are suffering. The Quran in Surah Al-Imran, Verse 3 says, “You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah. Had the People of the Book believed, it would have been better for them. Some of them are faithful, but most are rebellious.” Through this, we can understand that Muslims must embrace justice and forbid that which causes injustice. The situation in Sudan is one where we must rise and denounce the injustices of the warring factions, and instead promote peace, raise awareness, and give aid. 

As of today, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese civilians are afflicted with dehydration, starvation, and disease caused by conflict. We make a call to those who can help to donate to Sudan relief. Check out Helping Hand for Relief and Development campaign for Sudan aid and make a donation to help address the situation in Sudan. Continue following ICNA CSJ as we update the situation in Sudan through policy and advocacy.