The conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced 14 million, with countless children suffering. Despite several failed peace initiatives, the conflict rages on, with rampant violence, including sexual assaults. The UN has called for an international peacekeeping mission to protect civilians, but the Sudanese government continues to reject external intervention, framing it as a violation of sovereignty. The African Union must take decisive action to support Sudan’s civilians and ensure their safety.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has lasted for 20 months, represents a profound humanitarian crisis resulting in the deaths of at least 20,000 people and leaving 25 million suffering from severe hunger. The violence has displaced about 14 million individuals, with millions fleeing to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Egypt. Tragically, children are disproportionately affected by this devastating war, suffering from injuries and trauma amidst relentless violence.
A report from Doctors Without Borders indicates that approximately one in six patients treated for war-related injuries at a South Khartoum hospital are children aged 15 or younger. One case highlighted involves an 18-month-old boy who was shot while sleeping in his home, exemplifying the peril faced by the youngest victims of this ongoing conflict. The futures of Riyad and thousands of children like him remain uncertain due to a lack of medical care and support.
Reports reveal rampant sexual violence, including the use of rape as a weapon of war by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The United Nations has documented that the RSF is primarily accountable for the majority of these cases, employing extreme forms of violence that have left survivors traumatized, wounded, and homeless. Access to medical and psychological support for these survivors remains severely limited.
Despite various peace initiatives from the African Union and other international bodies, efforts to mitigate the suffering of the Sudanese have been ineffective. An agreement signed in May 2023 aimed to protect civilians, yet atrocities continued unabated shortly thereafter. The international community’s attempts to facilitate peace talks have not yielded a ceasefire, revealing a need for more decisive action.
The UN fact-finding mission emphasized the imperative for an international peacekeeping force to protect civilians, citing the failure of local authorities to ensure their safety. The Sudanese government has rejected calls for external intervention, framing it as a violation of sovereignty. However, the ongoing war clearly demonstrates their inability to protect their citizens, making outside assistance critical.
The African Union must confront the pressing crisis in Sudan with decisive action. Upholding its mandate under the Constitutive Act allows the AU to intervene in situations involving war crimes and crimes against humanity. Given the grave situation faced by the Sudanese population, it is essential for the AU to mobilize a peacekeeping force capable of providing security and humanitarian assistance to those in need.
There are significant challenges to implementing an effective response to protect Sudan’s civilians due to the extensive territory and ongoing warfare. Nevertheless, through careful planning and troop mobilization, the AU can positively impact the dire circumstances faced by the people of Sudan. This situation tests the AU’s ability to fulfill its mission of promoting peace and prosperity across the continent.
The war in Sudan has escalated into one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. Prolonged fighting between the RSF and SAF has had devastating consequences for the civilian population, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. Children are particularly vulnerable in this context, frequently becoming victims of violence and trauma. While international efforts to mediate peace have been attempted, they have not succeeded in stopping the conflict.
In summary, the humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, necessitating immediate and robust action from the international community, particularly the African Union. In light of the overwhelming number of war crimes and the inability of the Sudanese government to protect its citizens, deploying an international peacekeeping force is crucial. The AU’s inaction risks its legitimacy and the well-being of countless Sudanese civilians who continue to endure unimaginable suffering.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
