Sudan's spiraling conflict: A call for renewed international resolve
Amidst the crisis in Sudan, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance grows as millions struggle with displacement, food insecurity, and lack of access to essential services.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the SAF and RSF has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in desperate need of aid, exacerbated by external support to both sides.
Despite regional and international mediation efforts by organizations like IGAD and the UN, persistent challenges in securing a ceasefire and inclusive political dialogue continue to hinder progress.
The conflict's severe regional implications, including refugee flows and security risks, underscore the urgent need for a coordinated and sustained international diplomatic strategy to address the crisis and plan for post-conflict recovery.
The escalating conflict in Sudan demands an urgent and cohesive international response, navigating complex internal dynamics and external influences to prevent further destabilization of an already fragile region.
The protracted conflict in Sudan, now well into its third year, continues to exact a devastating toll on its people and poses significant challenges to regional and international stability. The clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have not only wrought immense human suffering but have also created a complex web of humanitarian, security, and geopolitical implications that require a nuanced and determined diplomatic approach.
The humanitarian catastrophe within Sudan is profound. As of late 2024 and early 2025, over 30 million people are estimated to be in need of assistance, representing nearly two-thirds of the population. The conflict has triggered the world's largest displacement crisis, with approximately 12 million people having fled their homes, including 8.8 million internally displaced and 3.2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlight critical food insecurity, rising malnutrition rates, and the decimation of essential services, including healthcare and education. Attacks on civilian infrastructure and humanitarian personnel further impede life-saving aid delivery, contributing to a dire situation.
The conflict's trajectory has been marked by fluid frontlines and shifting territorial control. While the RSF initially made rapid gains, particularly in Khartoum and parts of Darfur, the SAF has demonstrated recent counter-offensives, notably in Aj Jazirah and North Kordofan states. This back-and-forth reflects a deeply entrenched struggle, exacerbated by external support to both belligerents. Multiple reports and UN panel investigations have pointed to significant foreign involvement, with allegations of arms transfers and financial backing from various regional and international actors. This external dimension further complicates mediation efforts and underscores the need for a coordinated approach to address these enabling factors.
Regional organizations, notably the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have been actively engaged in mediation efforts. IGAD has convened forums for special envoys and representatives to harmonize diplomatic initiatives, emphasizing the importance of a unified and Sudanese-owned peace process. Recent statements from IGAD leadership reiterate calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and underscore the imperative of an inclusive political dialogue aimed at restoring constitutional governance. However, the willingness of the warring parties to engage constructively in direct negotiations remains a significant hurdle.
The United Nations Security Council has continued to monitor the situation closely, adopting multiple resolutions throughout 2024 and 2025. These resolutions have focused on various aspects, including sanctions regimes, humanitarian access, and mandates for expert panels to investigate violations. The international community, through these mechanisms, seeks to exert pressure on the warring parties to uphold international humanitarian law and facilitate the unimpeded delivery of assistance. Yet, the effectiveness of these measures is often contingent on the political will and cooperation of member states.
The implications of Sudan's crisis extend far beyond its borders. Neighboring countries, many of which face their own internal challenges, are grappling with the immense strain of refugee influxes. The conflict has disrupted vital trade routes and threatened regional economic stability. Furthermore, the vacuum created by the conflict risks becoming a breeding ground for illicit activities and further radicalization, with potential long-term security consequences for the wider Horn of Africa and Sahel regions.
Moving forward, a comprehensive and sustained diplomatic strategy is essential. This strategy must:
Intensify Pressure on Belligerents: Leverage all available diplomatic and economic tools to compel the SAF and RSF to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities and engage in genuine peace negotiations.
Coordinate International and Regional Efforts: Strengthen coordination between international bodies like the UN and regional organizations such as the African Union and IGAD to present a unified front and avoid fragmented approaches.
Address External Enablers: Engage with regional and international actors suspected of providing support to the warring parties, urging them to cease any actions that exacerbate the conflict and instead contribute to a peaceful resolution.
Prioritize Humanitarian Access: Ensure unfettered and safe humanitarian access to all affected populations, holding accountable those who obstruct aid delivery or target civilians.
Support Civilian Initiatives: Foster and empower Sudanese civilian political actors and civil society organizations who can play a crucial role in shaping a future democratic and stable Sudan.
Plan for Post-Conflict Recovery: Begin comprehensive planning for post-conflict reconstruction, addressing long-term development needs, reconciliation, and institutional reform to prevent a recurrence of violence.
The unraveling of Sudan is not merely an internal affair; it is a profound test for multilateral diplomacy and the international community's commitment to peace and human security. A concerted, diplomatic effort, sustained over the long term, is imperative to help Sudan emerge from this devastating conflict and build a more stable and prosperous future for its people.
