By: Lamin Sanneh
Is Sudan another forgotten conflict? Does the international community have a responsible in this conflict? Should Africa remain a scar in the conscience of Humanity? this are uncomfortable questions that keep lingering in my mind as I see the ongoing crisis in Sudan which represents one of the most significant challenges to regional security in Africa today. As a graduate student specializing in international relations and diplomacy, I am deeply concerned by the escalating violence and its far-reaching implications for the Horn of Africa and beyond. The conflict, rooted in a complex interplay of historical, political, and socio-economic factors, evolved into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe the likes of which we haven seen in Africa post WWII with over 30.4 million people, a staggering 64% of the population, in desperate need of aid. This article examines why the Sudan crisis poses a grave threat to regional security and proposes diplomatic solutions that could pave the way for sustainable peace.
The Sudan Crisis as a Threat to Regional Security
The crisis in Sudan, has created a highly volatile environment that threatens to destabilize the entire region. The conflictforcibly displaced over 7 million people, triggering a refugee crisis that has overwhelmed neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. These nations, already grappling with fragile economies and social structures, are now facing exacerbated tensions due to the influx of refugees. This strain on resources has the potential to ignite new conflicts and deepen existing ones such as the one in DRC and recently in South Sudan, further destabilizing the region.
Moreover, the crisis has created a power vacuum that has allowed armed groups and militias to flourish creating a hostile environment that affects the lives and livelihood of the Sudanese people. Groups like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have historically exploited similar situations to expand their influence, and there is a tangible risk that they could do so again in Sudan. The proliferation of such groups poses a direct threat to regional and international security, as their activities often extend beyond national borders.
The humanitarian impact of the crisis is equally alarmingcausing disruption to food supply chains, leading to severe food insecurity and famine-like conditions as describe by the UN “the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today”. Causing immense suffering for the Sudanese people and created a sense of desperation that could drive further conflict. The AU together with the regional block and international community’s inability to effectively address the crisis has eroded trust in multilateral institutions begging the question, what exactly is their functions?. Furthermore, with global attention diverted to conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the Gaza crisis, Is Sudan another forgotten conflict? as the crisis rarely makes headlines on both domestic, regional and international media platforms. This underscores the urgent need for African regional organizations, particularly the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to take the lead in resolving the conflict, adhering to the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”
Diplomatic Solutions to the Conflict
Given the complexity of the Sudan crisis, a diplomatic solution must be multifaceted and involve both regional and international actors. The AU and IGAD are crucial in this process as they need to step up and end this conflict before it become a more burden than it is already. The first step must be an immediate ceasefire, brokered by AU and the regional powers. This ceasefire should be accompanied by the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow aid organizations to deliver much-needed assistance to affected populations. The entire African continent and the international community must also be engage to provide financial and logistical support to neighboring countries hosting refugees to prevent further strain on their resources.
A long-term solution to the crisis will require addressing its root causes, including political and economic grievances that have fueled the violence. The transitional government which was established following the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 was intended to pave the way for democratic elections, but failed due to the current conflict. For a lasting peace and prosperity, mediators and stakeholders should initiate a new inclusive political process involving all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, women’s groups, and youth organizations. This process should be overseen by a credible international body to ensure transparency and fairness.
Regional actors, particularly the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), must play a central role in mediating the conflict even though currently Sudan suspend its membership to the block. IGAD has a proven track record of facilitating peace agreements in the region, most notably in South Sudan. However, for IGAD to be effective, it must be supported by the AU and the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, which should impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities perpetuating the violence.
Another critical component of a diplomatic solution is the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of armed groups. This process must be carefully managed to ensure that it does not exacerbate existing tensions. AU together with the international community should provide technical and financial support for DDR programs, as well as for the reconstruction of Sudan’s infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by the conflict.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the Sudan crisis is not merely a domestic issue but a significant regional security threat that demands urgent and coordinated action. The conflict has created a humanitarian disaster, destabilized neighboring countries, and provided a breeding ground for transnational terrorism. A diplomatic solution must be pursued with the involvement of both regional and international actors, focusing on an immediate ceasefire, an inclusive political process, and long-term reconstruction efforts.
As a graduate student, I recommend that the AU and the international community take a more proactive role in addressing the crisis. This includes providing financial and logistical support for humanitarian efforts, imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetuating the violence, and supporting regional mediation efforts. The AU and IGAD should be empowered to lead these efforts, with the backing of the UN Security Council. Additionally, the voices of Sudanese civil society, particularly women and youth, must be included in any peace process to ensure that it is inclusive and sustainable.
Finally, the international community must recognize that the Sudan crisis is not an isolated event, Sudan is part of a broader pattern of instability in the Horn of Africa. and it should matter to them like Ukraine is and other conflicts in the world. Addressing the root causes of this instability, which includes poverty, inequality, and governance issues, will require a long-term commitment from both regional and international actors. Only through such a comprehensive approach can we hope to achieve lasting peace in Sudan and the wider region.
By: Lamin Sanneh
MA. International Diplomacy and Regional Political Studies
Moscow State Institute of International Relations
MGIMO
Moscow, Russia
Laminsanneh652@gmail.com
