Since April 2023, conflict in Sudan has escalated between the Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces due to a power struggle, involving significant civilian violations and regional interventions from Turkey and Iran. The Sudanese Army, rejecting international peace efforts, has expanded atrocities like executions and systematic rape, raising concerns about complicity from the international community. Immediate action and accountability measures are urgently needed.
In April 2023, conflict erupted in Sudan between the Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces due to a power struggle aggravated by Islamist influence within the army. The refusal of army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to transfer power to civilian forces escalated this conflict into a humanitarian crisis with severe civilian violations, prompting the involvement of regional powers like Turkey and Iran.
Turkey provided support to Islamist militias aligned with the army, while Iran contributed drones and advanced weaponry, which tipped the conflict in favor of the Sudanese Army. The humanitarian impact has been profound, characterized by summary executions, sexual violence, ethnic cleansing, and widespread starvation, amid a failure of international intervention.
The Sudanese army’s violations have intensified, particularly in areas like Al-Jazeera and Wad Madani. Reports from organizations such as Human Rights Watch detail war crimes including executions and systematic rape, as well as hunger and siege tactics employed against civilians. Despite these atrocities, the international response has been limited to diplomatic condemnations without enforcement measures.
Several factors contribute to the Sudanese army’s recent advances: an alliance with extremist militias which enhances military power at a significant human cost; Iranian support that has altered the conflict’s power dynamics; and the adoption of brutal tactics like indiscriminate aerial strikes, reminiscent of methods previously employed in Syria.
Iran aims to expand its influence in the Red Sea by supporting the Sudanese army, while Turkey seeks to bolster Islamist militias as part of its competition with Iran. Both countries prioritize their interests over the plight of Sudanese civilians, perpetuating instability in the region.
The army leadership’s recurrent rejection of peace initiatives, such as the Geneva conference, raises concerns about the will to perpetuate war despite escalating humanitarian crises. This situation marginalizes civilian forces who oppose both warring parties, despite being targeted by military and Islamist factions.
What continues in Sudan transcends mere conflict; it constitutes genocide, with documented use of rape and ethnic cleansing as tools of terror. There remains an alarming lack of real international action, as actions of perpetrators are openly broadcasted without significant repercussions.
Immediate and robust international measures are essential, including sanctions targeting military leaders, cessation of aerial bombardments, and establishment of mechanisms for accountability. The ongoing crimes in Sudan demand more than condemnation; the international community must act decisively to prevent further atrocities.
The conflict in Sudan represents a devastating humanitarian crisis fueled by power struggles and regional interventions. The violations against civilians are rampant, with the Sudanese Army’s tactics exacerbating the situation. The complicity and inadequate response from the international community highlight the critical need for coherent and effective measures to protect civilians and end the ongoing genocide. Clear accountability and immediate action are paramount to address the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
