Sudan's Civil War: An Inside Look with Ex-MI6 Chief
Dec 5, 2024
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Nicholas Casey, a New York Times Magazine staff writer who embedded with Sudanese rebels, sheds light on the grim realities of Sudan's civil war. He discusses the dynamics between warring factions and the lack of international intervention. Casey highlights the rise of conflict-related sexual violence and foreign influences from countries like Egypt and the UAE. The urgent humanitarian crisis underscores the struggle for a democratic future amid ongoing violence, making it a deeply compelling insight into what he calls the world's 'forgotten war'.
The Sudanese civil war, initially sparked by a revolution, has led to significant civilian suffering and a global neglect of the crisis.
International actors, including the UAE and Egypt, are deeply entangled in the conflict, complicating any potential for peaceful resolution.
Deep dives
The Ongoing Civil War in Sudan
Sudan has been enduring a prolonged civil war that began with a revolution aimed at overthrowing the dictator Omar al-Bashir. The optimism surrounding this movement quickly faded as the country plunged into conflict, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of nearly 10 million people. The civil war features a fight between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, causing immense suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire. Despite ongoing battles, there is little international attention directed toward this crisis, leading to concerns of war fatigue among the global community.
The Role of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army
The Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) is a crucial player in the conflict, asserting its desire for a pluralistic democracy while controlling certain regions in Sudan. Unlike the dominant factions in the civil war, the SPLA has historical ties to South Sudan but seeks to gain recognition within the larger framework of Sudan. Although these rebels have made territorial gains, including establishing a stable enclave, they face significant challenges in influencing the broader political landscape. Their long-term goals involve being included in any future government rather than seeking to break away completely from Sudan.
International Involvement and War Fatigue
The lack of media coverage and international engagement in the Sudanese civil war highlights a troubling trend of global neglect. Amid multiple concurrent conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Gaza, Sudan has not maintained public interest, diminishing the urgency for intervention. Countries such as the United States have been slow to respond, contributing to a potential famine and escalating humanitarian crisis. This neglect raises concerns about the United States' waning influence in Africa, as other nations like Russia and the UAE continue to assert their presence in the region.
Geopolitical Dynamics and Proxy Forces
The Sudanese civil war has seen involvement from various international actors, complicating the conflict further. With the UAE reportedly supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces and Egypt backing the Sudanese Armed Forces, the situation remains volatile. Additionally, the presence of factions like the Wagner Group indicates the increasing complexity of external influences in Sudan. Such dynamics not only perpetuate the conflict but also obscure the potential for a peaceful resolution, as international efforts often struggle against entrenched local power struggles.
In this week's episode, One Decision hosts Kasia Madera and resident spymaster, former Chief of Britain's MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, are joined by the New York Times Magazine staff writer Nicholas Casey to uncover the sober reality of the Sudanese civil war. Earlier this year, Casey was embedded with the Sudanese People's Movement Army, a rebel group fighting for democracy. He shares what it was like to report on the world's "forgotten war" and why peaceful intervention in the region has been largely absent. Plus, how countries like Egypt, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates are playing a major role in funding war efforts.
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