Anthony Loyd, Special Correspondent for The Times, shares gripping insights from his recent reporting in Sudan's civil war. He illustrates the harrowing realities faced by civilians, including the tragic loss of family and the chilling effects of urban warfare. Loyd discusses the geopolitical complexities fueling the conflict and reveals shocking statistics on displacement and loss of life. With vivid personal stories, he sheds light on the often-overlooked tragedies, amplifying urgent calls for awareness in the face of heartbreaking suffering.
The staggering death toll of over 150,000 in Sudan underscores the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing civil war.
The complex power struggle between military leaders and lack of global attention contribute to the conflict's devastating impact and unaddressed suffering.
Deep dives
The Human Cost of Conflict
The civil war in Sudan has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 150,000 people, with the majority being innocent civilians. Many have died due to violence during the war, but an alarming number have succumbed to malnutrition and preventable diseases exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. This has led to more than 11 million people being displaced, and many facing severe food shortages, with authorities warning of potential famine. The widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis have created dire conditions for those who remain, forcing families to bury their loved ones in cemeteries that have expanded dramatically since the outbreak of violence.
Stories of Resilience Amidst Horror
Personal accounts from those affected by the war in Sudan highlight the immense struggles of families trying to survive amid violence. One heartbreaking story involves a young girl named Gaitha and her brother Muhammad, who suffered devastating injuries from a shell explosion while playing outside their home. Muhammad did not survive the attack, leaving his mother, Salma, grief-stricken and facing the reality of raising her surviving children in a war-torn environment. Such intimate reflections reveal how the brutality of the conflict shatters lives, forcing individuals to cope with the loss and trauma in incredibly challenging circumstances.
International Indifference and Complexity
The lack of global attention toward the Sudanese civil war can be attributed to several factors, including the complexity of the conflict and the overwhelming focus on other international crises. The power struggle between two military leaders, General Al-Burhan and General Hameti, has complicated the narrative, making it difficult for outsiders to grasp the full scope of the situation. Additionally, efforts for a ceasefire and peace negotiations have been thwarted, particularly by geopolitical divisions within the UN Security Council. The perceived 'good side versus bad side' dichotomy often found in other conflicts fails to apply to Sudan, leaving many to overlook the significant human suffering occurring within its borders.
For almost two years, two armies have fought a brutal civil war in Sudan, Africa’s third largest country. Over 150,000 have died, 11 million have been displaced and evidence of genocidal war crimes have emerged. So why has the war in Sudan been forgotten? The Times’ Special Correspondent Anthony Loyd has recently returned from a reporting trip on the frontline and tells The Story about the people he met.
This episode includes descriptions of war and rape.
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Guest: Anthony Loyd, Special Correspondent, The Times.