NUNZIUM

In the heart of Africa, Sudan stands at the crossroads of the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. A nation with a rich history and a strategic coastline on the Red Sea, it has endured a turbulent past marked by military coups, civil conflicts, and a long-standing authoritarian regime. Since gaining independence in the 1950s, Sudan has struggled to find peace and stability. But recently, the country's political landscape has shifted dramatically, opening a path towards democracy and hope for a better future. However, as the situation develops, new challenges and escalating violence between rival military factions threaten to derail the progress made. In 2019, a coup overthrew Sudan's authoritarian president, Omar al-Bashir. Following the coup, Sudan was governed by a military leadership that promised a transition to civilian rule. This transition was seen as a pivotal step towards achieving democracy and stability.

However, the process has been fraught with difficulties and power struggles between military factions, namely the Sudanese army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group commanded by Sudan's deputy leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti. The major sticking points in their negotiations revolve around integrating the 100,000-strong RSF into the army and the leadership of the new force. The situation worsened in early April 2023 as tensions between the two factions escalated into violent confrontations. Fighting erupted in the capital city of Khartoum and other country areas, including the cities of Omdurman, North Darfur, and South Darfur. According to estimates by a doctors' Union and the World Health Organization, the clashes have led to the tragic loss of civilians, with nearly 100 people reported dead and over a thousand injured. Among the casualties were three staff members of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which suspended its operations in Sudan due to the violence. Additionally, the fighting has caused significant damage to crucial infrastructure, such as Khartoum International Airport and state television headquarters.

The Sudanese army and the RSF have engaged in fierce battles, using armoured vehicles, truck-mounted machine guns, and warplanes. As the conflict enters its third day, both sides claim to control strategic locations in the country in Khartoum, Omdurman, and elsewhere. The violence has spread fear and panic among the civilian population, who are caught in the crossfire and forced to seek shelter from the ongoing hostilities. Despite international pressure urging both sides to cease hostilities and return to dialogue, the fighting shows no signs of abating. Top diplomats, including the US Secretary of State, the UN secretary-general, the EU foreign policy chief, the head of the Arab League, and the head of the African Union Commission, have all called for an end to the violence and a return to negotiations. Arab states with stakes in Sudan, such as Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have also made similar appeals. Meanwhile, the African Union announced sending its top diplomat, Moussa Faki Mahamat, to negotiate a ceasefire. At the same time, Egypt and South Sudan offered to mediate between the warring factions.

Sudan's stability is crucial to maintaining peace and security in Africa and the Middle East. The ongoing turmoil in Sudan holds great significance for the country's future and the entire region. The escalating conflict threatens to destabilize a nation further already struggling with the challenges of transitioning to democracy. Moreover, the fighting exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation. The United Nations estimates that one-third of Sudan's population needs humanitarian assistance.