Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has accused many countries of ignoring crimes committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Al-Burhan, in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, stated that international silence and inaction have allowed the RSF to continue committing atrocities with impunity. Since the conflict began in April 2023, it has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displacements, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
The civil war in Sudan erupted between the national army, led by al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, al-Burhan’s former deputy. The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militias notorious for their brutal campaigns in Darfur, has been accused of committing numerous war crimes, including sexual violence. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk reported that sexual violence has been a defining aspect of the conflict, with RSF personnel implicated in the majority of documented cases.
Al-Burhan criticized the lack of international response, suggesting that some countries might be using their influence to halt aid to the Sudanese state and support the RSF instead. He emphasized that silence in the face of such crimes amounts to complicity. Al-Burhan’s remarks came as the RSF made significant military advances, threatening to take control of strategic locations, including Port Sudan.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with millions facing severe food shortages and potential famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that 755,000 people are at risk of starvation, with 8.5 million experiencing critical food insecurity. The UN has warned of a realistic chance of famine in multiple regions, including Darfur and Khartoum.
Al-Burhan pointed to the deliberate disruption of agriculture by the RSF as a significant factor in the food crisis, noting that the paramilitary group has prevented farmers from cultivating land. He asserted that the Sudanese armed forces and people are resilient and will not be defeated, despite the ongoing challenges.
The international community’s response to the Sudanese civil war remains fragmented, with some countries allegedly exerting pressure to limit support for the Sudanese government. This complex geopolitical landscape underscores the difficulty of achieving a coordinated international effort to address the crisis and hold those responsible for atrocities accountable.
As the conflict drags on, the suffering of the Sudanese people continues unabated. Humanitarian organizations face significant obstacles in delivering aid, exacerbating the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UN and other international bodies have called for increased support and intervention to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The RSF’s origins in the Janjaweed militias highlight the deep-rooted nature of the conflict, with long-standing grievances and power struggles fueling the violence. The paramilitary group’s brutal tactics and widespread human rights abuses have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations worldwide.
Al-Burhan’s call for international attention to the crimes committed by the RSF reflects a broader plea for justice and accountability in Sudan. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis demand urgent and sustained international action to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and support efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
The situation in Sudan remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The international community faces a critical test in its ability to respond effectively to the crisis, support the Sudanese people, and work towards a resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures justice for victims of atrocities.
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