Sudan Faces Looming Famine as Internal Conflict Rages

Despite a dire humanitarian crisis, Sudan's conflict remains largely ignored by the international community, leaving millions facing starvation and displacement.

In the ravaged lands of Sudan, a humanitarian catastrophe of unimaginable proportions unfolds amidst a forgotten war that has turned the third-largest nation in Africa into a wasteland. The United Nations estimates that up to 10 million people have been displaced, while U.S. sources claim that over 150,000 have lost their lives in the year-long conflict. A staggering five million people are now teetering on the brink of famine, a grim testament to the relentless violence that has torn Sudan apart.

Observers have aptly dubbed this conflict a "forgotten war," with the world seemingly oblivious to the immense suffering endured by the Sudanese people. Hadeel Oueis, editor-in-chief of the pan-Arab media outlet Jusoor, lamented the apathy of the international community, stating, "Sudanese (people) are asking why the world turns a blind eye as their country is laid to waste."

The lack of media attention has compounded the tragedy, with Abu Muhammad, a Sudanese businessman, expressing frustration that "the little attention we attract fades away immediately." He contrasted Sudan's plight with the extensive coverage given to the smaller conflict in Gaza, bemoaning that "all the media channels are about is Gaza, Gaza and Gaza."

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has estimated that a staggering 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Christos Christou, the organization's president, condemned the global neglect, stating that "this level of international neglect is shocking."

On the ground, the situation is dire. Student Muhammad Khalid told the Center for Peace Communications (CPC), "The media focuses on other issues like the war in Ukraine or Palestine... As to Sudan, problems in African society are seen as tiresome for Europeans and Middle Easterners."

In the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur, MSF has reported that approximately 75 people succumb to malnutrition and disease each day. A State Department spokesperson emphasized the urgency of the crisis, stating that "five million people in Sudan are on the brink of famine."

The conflict has created a double tragedy for the people of Sudan. They have been forced to flee their homes and endure unimaginable hardships, only to be met with a deafening silence from the international community. Analyst Hamid Fathi described their plight as "a double tragedy," highlighting their displacement and the indifference of the world.

External actors have become deeply involved in the conflict, with their primary motivations being access to Sudan's vast gold reserves and geopolitical influence. The United States has accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while Iran and Russia have reportedly provided assistance to Sudan's army. Cameron Hudson, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, warned that "the longer the conflict goes on, the more determinative external players become."

Senator James Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed disappointment with the Biden administration's response, stating that "President Biden has the power to highlight and influence this tragedy, but he remains silent." He criticized the administration's "empty statements and commitments" and lack of accountability.

In February, the State Department appointed Tom Periello as special envoy to Sudan. However, Risch dismissed the appointment, accusing the envoy of suffering from the same ineptitude and political indifference that has plagued the administration's handling of the crisis.

State Secretary Antony Blinken recently called on Sudanese General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to end the conflict, but analysts believe that the U.S. has lost significant leverage over the parties involved. Hudson stated that prior to Blinken's call, it had been over a year since he had spoken with al-Burhan.

The U.S. has been accused of failing to effectively use its influence over countries like the UAE to curb their support for the war. Analysts believe that the U.S. could have played a more active role in brokering a ceasefire and supporting a return to democracy. Instead, Sudan has turned to Russia and Iran for support, leaving the U.S. with limited leverage.

The U.A.E vehemently denies any involvement in the conflict, rejecting accusations of providing military or political support to either side. The crisis in Sudan is a stark reminder of the human cost of protracted conflict and the devastating consequences of international neglect.