Sudan has been embroiled in conflict for two-and-a-half years, with multiple peace efforts failing to yield results. This prolonged crisis has led many Sudanese to question the international community’s commitment to their plight. Recently, discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman raised the possibility of U.S. intervention in the Sudanese conflict. Trump had previously expressed little interest in the situation, considering it chaotic. However, following a briefing from bin Salman, Trump indicated that the U.S. would begin working on Sudan.
Despite prior U.S. involvement in negotiations, Trump’s leverage with regional allies could potentially influence their decision-making. Approximately 12 million people have been displaced by the war, and conditions of famine persist. The urgency for a resolution to the conflict has never been greater.
In late October, the civil war escalated further when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured el-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in Darfur, amid reports of ethnic targeting that resulted in significant casualties. In the aftermath, RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” suggested a ceasefire, in stark contrast to military leaders like Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who dismissed the idea.
The pattern of conflict dynamics has been consistent, with regional countries backing competing factions. Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia align with the Sudanese army, while the UAE is reported to support the RSF, despite denials. Efforts to establish peace require these nations to prioritize diplomatic collaboration over military support.
The U.S. has initiated the “Quad” framework involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, aiming for a ceasefire and humanitarian access. However, effective intervention would necessitate considerable pressure on the UAE to cease its backing of the RSF while addressing regional rivalries. The need for a coordinated peace strategy is crucial as Sudan faces potential de facto partition, with the local populace yearning for lasting democratic reforms.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dz36ep673o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss