Self-Sustaining Loop: Understanding the Violence and Turmoil in Sudan
Sudan’s humanitarian emergency requires global focus.
Introduction
Sudan, a nation with a tumultuous history, has once again descended into chaos. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has evolved into a complex civil war, characterized by a self-sustaining loop of violence, political instability, and humanitarian crises. This essay aims to dissect the multifaceted dimensions of the Sudanese conflict, exploring its historical roots, current dynamics, and the challenges faced by the international community in addressing this protracted crisis.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Instability
Sudan’s post-independence history has been marred by political upheaval, military coups, and civil wars. Since gaining independence in 1956, the country has experienced more than fifteen military coups, with brief interludes of civilian rule. The long-standing marginalization of peripheral regions, ethnic tensions, and competition over resources have fueled conflicts, notably in Darfur and South Sudan.
The ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019 marked a significant turning point. However, the transitional period that followed was fraught with challenges. The power-sharing agreement between civilian leaders and the military was fragile, and the integration of various armed groups into a unified national army remained contentious. These unresolved issues laid the groundwork for the current conflict.
Genesis of the Current Conflict
The immediate trigger for the current civil war was the power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tensions escalated over disagreements regarding the timeline and process for integrating the RSF into the national army.
On April 15, 2023, clashes erupted in Khartoum and other parts of the country, marking the beginning of a full-scale civil war. Both factions have since vied for control over strategic locations, leading to widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
The Self-Sustaining Loop of Violence
The conflict in Sudan has evolved into a self-perpetuating cycle, where violence begets more violence, and the absence of effective governance exacerbates the situation.
1. Ethnic and Sectarian Divides: The RSF, with its roots in the Janjaweed militias, has been accused of targeting non-Arab ethnic groups, particularly in Darfur. Reports of ethnic cleansing, mass rapes, and other atrocities have surfaced, deepening communal animosities and fueling retaliatory attacks.
2. Resource Competition: Control over resources, including gold mines and agricultural lands, has become a focal point of the conflict. Armed groups exploit these resources to finance their operations, further entrenching their power and perpetuating the conflict.
3. Collapse of State Institutions: The protracted conflict has led to the disintegration of state institutions. Law enforcement, judiciary, and public services have ceased to function effectively, creating a vacuum that armed groups exploit to consolidate their control.
4. Humanitarian Crisis: The war has displaced nearly 13 million people, with many facing famine and disease. The dire humanitarian situation fuels grievances and desperation, making recruitment into armed groups more appealing for survival.
5. International Involvement: External actors have been implicated in fueling the conflict. Accusations have been leveled against countries like the United Arab Emirates for allegedly supplying arms to the RSF, while Egypt is perceived to support the SAF. These external influences complicate peace efforts and contribute to the perpetuation of violence.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
The human cost of the conflict is staggering. Tens of thousands have been killed, and nearly half of Sudan’s 51 million population faces food insecurity. Famine has been declared in parts of Darfur, and the health infrastructure has collapsed, leaving millions without access to medical care.
The displacement crisis is one of the largest globally, with over 4 million Sudanese fleeing to neighboring countries. Refugee camps are overwhelmed, and the risk of regional destabilization looms large.
International Response: Challenges and Shortcomings
Efforts by the international community to mediate the conflict and provide humanitarian assistance have faced significant hurdles.
1. Diplomatic Impasses: A UK-led international conference aimed at facilitating ceasefire talks ended without agreement, as key Arab states declined to sign a joint communique. The absence of a unified international stance hampers peace initiatives.
2. Humanitarian Aid Constraints: While countries like the UK and Germany have pledged additional aid, logistical challenges and security concerns impede the delivery of assistance to affected regions.
3. Exclusion of Sudanese Voices: Notably, Sudanese actors were excluded from some international meetings, leading to criticism and questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of such initiatives.
4. Geopolitical Distractions: Global attention is divided due to other crises, such as conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This diversion of focus results in insufficient international pressure on the warring factions in Sudan.
India’s Role: Operation Kaveri
India has actively engaged in safeguarding its citizens during the Sudanese crisis. In April 2023, the Indian government launched “Operation Kaveri” to evacuate its nationals from conflict zones. The operation successfully evacuated nearly 3,862 individuals, including members of the Hakki Pikki tribe from Karnataka. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to the safety of its diaspora and its capacity to conduct complex evacuation missions.
Pathways to Resolution
Addressing the Sudanese conflict requires a multifaceted approach:
1. Inclusive Dialogue: Sustainable peace necessitates inclusive negotiations involving all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and civil society organizations.
2. Strengthening Institutions: Rebuilding state institutions is crucial for restoring governance and the rule of law. International support should focus on capacity-building and institutional reforms.
3. Accountability Mechanisms: Perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations must be held accountable. Establishing transitional justice mechanisms can aid in reconciliation efforts.
4. Humanitarian Access: Ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations is vital to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
5. Regional Cooperation: Neighboring countries and regional organizations must collaborate to prevent the spillover of conflict and support peacebuilding efforts.
Conclusion
The conflict in Sudan exemplifies a tragic cycle where historical grievances, power struggles, and external influences converge to create a self-sustaining loop of violence. Breaking this cycle demands concerted efforts from both domestic actors and the international community. As the world grapples with multiple crises, it is imperative not to overlook the plight of the Sudanese people. A comprehensive, inclusive, and sustained approach is essential to restore peace and stability in Sudan.
UPSC Mains questions based on the topic “Self-sustaining loop: Regarding the violence and turmoil in Sudan”. These are designed to test analytical depth, international relations understanding, and answer-writing skills:
Question 1: “The conflict in Sudan represents a self-sustaining loop of violence driven by internal fragmentation and external influences.” Critically analyze the causes and implications of the ongoing turmoil in Sudan. Suggest a viable roadmap for peace and stability. (250 words)
Question 2: “The humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the failure of global diplomacy reflect deeper flaws in the international peace and security architecture.” Discuss with special reference to the role of regional powers and the United Nations. (250 words)
( Source-The Hindu Newspaper )