Sudan’s ‘war of opportunity’, with Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Feb 19, 2025
auto_awesome
Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Sudanese-born writer and broadcaster, shares insights on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, dubbed the world's worst. She highlights the disconnection between international attention and the realities on the ground. Yassmin recounts her family's story and her last visit for her wedding, juxtaposing personal joy with current tragedies. The discussion delves into how regional powers like the UAE and Saudi Arabia exploit the chaos, and emphasizes the urgent need for self-determination among the Sudanese people.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied highlights how Sudan's ongoing conflict has been labeled a 'forgotten war,' resulting in severe humanitarian crises overshadowed in global media discourse.
The podcast emphasizes the personal impact of the war, showcasing the emotional toll on families and the resilience of grassroots movements addressing sexual violence amidst the chaos.
Deep dives
The Roots of the Sudanese Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is characterized as a counter-revolutionary war that traces its origins back to the December Revolution of 2019, where civilians rose against a longstanding dictatorship led by Omar al-Bashir. After al-Bashir's deposition, a power struggle emerged between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in a military coup that disrupted attempts for a civilian-led government. This struggle has escalated into violence, resulting in mass displacement and acute humanitarian crises affecting millions. The conflict embodies a fight not only between factions but against the will of the Sudanese people yearning for self-determination and governance free from military dominance.
Personal Connection to the Crisis
The speaker shares a personal narrative about their last visit to Sudan in February 2020, shortly before the pandemic, highlighting an initial wave of optimism following the revolution. However, this sentiment quickly shifted with the military coup and subsequent war, drastically altering the lives of Sudanese people. The emotional toll is palpable as the speaker reflects on the loss of familial homes and the displacement experienced by relatives, which symbolizes a broader grief felt among many Sudanese. This personal dimension underscores the shared experiences and suffering endured by families amidst the conflict.
International Perception and the 'Forgotten War'
Despite the severity of the crisis, the conflict in Sudan has often been overlooked in global discourse, being labeled a 'forgotten war.' The complexities surrounding Sudan are frequently dismissed, with media narratives focusing on other international conflicts, thereby marginalizing the humanitarian plight unfolding in Sudan. Factors contributing to this invisibility include a lack of understanding of Sudan's geopolitical significance and ingrained biases against African conflicts. The narrative encourages a shift in focus to highlight the urgent humanitarian needs and the Sudanese people's resistance against tyranny rather than simplifying the situation into a mere civil war.
The Humanitarian Impact and Female Perspective
The civil war has led to widespread humanitarian crises, encompassing severe displacement and alarming levels of sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Reports indicate that the RSF utilizes sexual violence to destabilize communities, often resulting in devastating consequences for women and girls, including a legacy of trauma and unwanted pregnancies. Grassroots movements have emerged, providing safe spaces and psychological support for survivors amid the chaos, demonstrating resilience and solidarity. An emphasis on addressing the multifaceted implications of sexual violence in this conflict is crucial for fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the war's human toll.
Sudanese-born writer and broadcaster Yassmin Abdel-Magied joins Ellen and Alona on this week’s episode of the Prospect podcast.
Sudan’s war has been called the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world”. And yet, media coverage is staggeringly low. But is the war really “forgotten”? Or is it being made invisible?
Yassmin breaks down the situation for newcomers. She shares her family’s story, and talks about the last time she saw the country, when she travelled there for her wedding.
She also discusses how Sudan is connected to regional and global powers, and how countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia are positioning themselves to benefit from the fallout of the war.
To learn more about the conflict, click here or here.