The conflict in Sudan between the RSF and SAF has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and left millions facing hunger and displacement. Children are particularly suffering, sustaining injuries and trauma amid ongoing violence. Despite international peacekeeping calls, efforts to protect civilians have failed, necessitating urgent intervention from the African Union and global community. The ongoing humanitarian crisis and war crimes committed highlight the need for decisive actions to safeguard lives in Sudan.
The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, lasting for over 20 months, has claimed at least 20,000 lives while leaving half the population—approximately 25 million—facing severe hunger and desperate need for humanitarian aid. The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has also displaced 14 million people, with around 3.1 million fleeing to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Egypt.
Children are disproportionately affected, with many casualties among youths. Medical personnel at Bashair Teaching Hospital in South Khartoum report that about one in six war injury patients treated were aged 15 or below. Notably, an 18-month-old boy named Riyad was wounded by a stray bullet, embodying the tragic fate of countless children impacted by the conflict, many of whom remain without proper care amid the turmoil.
Sexual violence, including rape, is pervasive in this war, with both RSF and SAF perpetrators. The UN’s October fact-finding report highlights the systematic use of sexual violence by the RSF, which has reportedly carried out gang rapes and held victims captive in conditions akin to sexual slavery. Survivors face immense challenges accessing medical and psychological support, resulting in a cycle of trauma and homelessness.
The war crimes and severe violations of human rights illustrate the dark reality of this conflict, which has become a representation of humanity’s worst aspects. As citizens face another year of trauma and uncertainty, the African Union (AU) and the international community hold a critical responsibility to intervene and protect Sudanese civilians from ongoing atrocities.
Previous peace efforts from various parties, including the AU and the United States, have failed to establish a sustainable ceasefire or effective civilian protections. Despite the signing of the Jeddah Declaration in May 2023, which aimed to safeguard civilians, agreed terms were not honored, exemplifying the inadequacy of current diplomatic efforts.
As recent attempts at securing peace in talks facilitated by the US yielded minimal success, it is evident that more decisive action is necessary. The UN’s findings underscore the pressing need for an international peacekeeping force to ensure civilian protection, given the egregious violations here. Lead initiate Chande Othman emphasized the requirement for immediate deployment of an impartial force.
Despite such urgent recommendations, the Sudanese government rebuffed the potential of international peacekeeping, arguing it would infringe upon national sovereignty. This rejection is troubling considering the government’s failure to protect civilians during this extensive conflict. A well-structured peacekeeping mission remains vital to stem the ongoing violence against civilians.
International entities, particularly the AU, must choose between inaction amid escalating civilian casualties or take courageous steps that may provoke the Sudanese government. The AU’s credibility is on the line as it cannot afford complacency while innocent lives are lost.
Intervention would align with the AU’s Constitutive Act, allowing engagement in cases of war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity—categories encompassing Sudan’s current situation.
For the AU to uphold its fundamental purpose of fostering a peaceful, prosperous Africa, actions regarding Sudan must demonstrate commitment to its mandate. This critical engagement represents an opportunity for the AU to prove it can effect meaningful change and save countless lives.
The author’s views do not necessarily represent Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for over 20 months, leading to grave humanitarian crises. As significant violence impacts civilians, particularly women and children, the situation has drawn international condemnation and calls for intervention. Multiple peacekeeping efforts have failed to secure lasting resolutions, prompting the need for the African Union and the global community to respond to the ongoing turmoil. The severe violations of human rights and humanitarian law underpin the urgency for direct intervention to protect Sudanese civilians.
In conclusion, Sudan’s protracted conflict, marked by extensive human suffering, underscores the necessity for international engagement to protect civilians. The ineffectiveness of peace initiatives thus far calls for a robust response by the AU, invoking its right to intervene given the dire humanitarian situation. Time is of the essence; the AU and international community must act decisively to prevent further devastation and uphold the protection of human rights in Sudan.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
