The Weekend Intelligence: The war the world ignores
Aug 24, 2024
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Tom Gardner, an Africa correspondent, takes listeners deep into the ongoing crisis in Sudan, shedding light on the overlooked humanitarian catastrophe there. He discusses the devastating impact of war in regions like Darfur, where millions face starvation and displacement. Gardner also highlights the historical roots of violence, the rise of oppressive regimes, and the inspiring role of youth activists striving for change. With a poignant focus on personal stories of survival, he urges the world not to ignore the atrocities unfolding.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, marked by violence and famine, has displaced one-fifth of its population, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis.
Historical colonial legacies and power struggles, particularly the 1989 military coup, significantly contribute to the current violence and instability in Sudan.
International responses to Sudan's atrocities have been criticized for their inadequacy and slowness, reflecting a disturbing oversight of the humanitarian disaster.
Deep dives
The Current Crisis in Sudan
Sudan is currently experiencing a devastating conflict that has escalated over the past 500 days, leading to widespread violence, disease, and famine. Estimates suggest that around 150,000 people have been killed, with one-fifth of the population displaced from their homes. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that attacks on medical facilities have surged, and sexual violence is being used systematically as a weapon of war. Amid this humanitarian disaster, international attention remains divided, overshadowed by conflicts in other regions such as Gaza and Ukraine.
Historical Context of Sudan's Conflicts
Sudan's tumultuous history is characterized by colonial legacy, civil wars, and power struggles, significantly influencing its current conflict. The roots of the modern crisis can be traced back to European colonialism, which exacerbated ethnic divides, and the 1989 military coup led by Omar al-Bashir, which entrenched a brutal regime. Peace efforts, such as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005, initially offered hope but failed to address ongoing tensions in regions like Darfur, which harbored its own conflict initiated by neglected African tribes feeling marginalized by the central government. The Darfur conflict set the stage for widespread atrocities, including the infamous Janjaweed militia's actions, establishing a troubling precedent for systematic violence against civilians.
The International Community's Response
The international community's response to the atrocities in Sudan has been criticized as inadequate and slow, particularly during the genocide in Darfur and the subsequent rise of Omar al-Bashir. The U.S. officially recognized the situation as genocide but faced significant obstacles in mobilizing effective humanitarian support due to the Sudanese government's hostility towards foreign intervention. Indictments issued by the International Criminal Court against al-Bashir further complicated matters, with the Sudanese government defying international demands for accountability and rejecting the court's authority. This lack of political will allowed Sudan's leadership to maneuver and maintain power while perpetuating violence against its citizens.
The Role of Protest Movements
The December 2018 protests marked a pivotal moment in Sudan as citizens rallied against al-Bashir's regime, fueled by years of economic struggles and oppressive governance. These protests, which united various demographics, including students and activists, were strategic in their organization, often requiring participants to disguise their intent to avoid government crackdowns. However, the resulting military coup led by al-Burhan and His Sameh's RSF left many activists disillusioned, as initial optimism dissipated against the backdrop of continued repression. Despite a brief period of alleged civilian governance, the military's dominance reasserted itself, undermining the very democratic aspirations that had sparked the protests.
The Ongoing Conflict and Its Implications
The current violence has morphed into an all-out war, characterized by brutal conflicts between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces led by Hemiti. This struggle, seen as an effort for power among former allies, threatens to evolve into a prolonged humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting vulnerable populations already suffering from displacement and famine. Recent evidence suggests that ethnic tensions are boiling over, with rising casualties among marginalized groups, reminiscent of historical genocides. The international community's failure to intervene effectively raises concerns about the potential for further instability, as competing foreign influences exacerbate the conflict, prolonging the suffering of the Sudanese people.
In this episode of The Weekend Intelligence, Africa correspondent Tom Gardner tells the story of 21st century Sudan. A story bookended by war. Darfur, a state which captured the world’s attention in the early 2000s has once again become an epicentre of violence, disease and famine. Over 25 million people are starving. A fifth of the population has been forced to flee their homes. This latest war is one of unprecedented proportions and yet it is an ignored war, deprived of attention by a world which once made a promise never to let such horrors happen again.