Sudan’s civil war faces a critical turning point as General Burhan’s forces capture strategic locations, including the presidential palace, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite military gains, the RSF retains significant control over large areas, complicating the conflict. Humanitarian conditions worsen due to underfunded aid responses and severe cuts to U.S. assistance, leaving millions at risk in both Sudan and South Sudan.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, marked by international diplomatic failures, has recently seen a shift in battlefield dynamics. Forces loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan captured Khartoum’s presidential palace from the militias of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. This change follows a period during which the RSF had initially seized significant areas of Khartoum, highlighting the fluctuating control in this protracted conflict.
In the days following the palace’s capture, Burhan’s forces advanced further by reclaiming the country’s central bank. Reports of increased shelling in Omdurman indicate a volatile situation. The Sudanese army’s success is attributed to the supply constraints faced by the RSF and the assistance from newly acquired Iranian and Turkish drones. A spokesperson for the military expressed pride in their conquest, calling it a testament to Sudan’s sovereignty.
The civil war has resulted in egregious human rights violations, with allegations of mass slaughters and rapes of non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur by RSF militants. Concurrently, aid delivery remains profoundly complicated due to the conflict, with humanitarian organizations expressing concern over the starved populace. The RSF reportedly receives indirect support from the United Arab Emirates, while the Sudanese military garners backing from Egypt and Turkey, amid failed mediation efforts for a truce.
Although Burhan’s forces seem to hold a tactical advantage, the RSF continues to control significant regions and is engaged in active combat around Khartoum. Recently, RSF officials convened in Kenya to discuss a potential parallel government in their held territories, indicating a deepening divide within the nation. As articulated by Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan, Sudan is effectively split between the army and RSF-controlled regions.
The conflict’s ramifications extend to South Sudan, where renewed violence has disrupted a fragile power-sharing agreement, exacerbating an already precarious situation. The crisis has prompted foreign evacuations, with a U.N. official warning of imminent risks of civil war in South Sudan. Despite the adversities, both countries suffer from international neglect, with humanitarian responses severely underfunded, as highlighted by recent assessments.
Significant cuts to U.S. foreign assistance programs have further deteriorated conditions in Sudan, contributing to rising hunger and healthcare failures. Analysts underscore the impact of these funding reductions on the humanitarian landscape, specifically the dire consequences for the Sudanese population. Kendall Khair, a Sudanese policy analyst, noted the detrimental effect of prioritizing military aid over humanitarian support as millions face dire circumstances due to shifting international focus.
In conclusion, Sudan’s civil war continues to evolve, with recent military developments favoring General Burhan’s forces amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The RSF remains active and influential, complicating peace efforts. Both Sudan and South Sudan urgently need international attention and support to address escalating violence and widespread humanitarian needs. The current neglect highlights the urgent necessity for renewed commitments from the global community to assist those affected by these crises.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
