The Real Reason Behind the Conflict in Sudan -

The Real Reason Behind the Conflict in Sudan - 

In the aftermath of World War II, Sudan witnessed a tumultuous liberation that sowed the seeds of internal strife. The British amalgamated North and South Sudan despite stark cultural differences among tribes, laying the groundwork for a harrowing civil war that persisted until 2005, ended through an agreement in the same year. However, the echoes of the colonial past continue to reverberate, further complicating Sudan's tragic narrative.

Colonial Aftermath:

Post-liberation, the British legacy cast a long shadow over Sudan. The forced union of North and South Sudan, driven more by geopolitical considerations than an understanding of the diverse tribal dynamics, set the stage for a protracted conflict. The deeply rooted cultural disparities among tribes, exacerbated by this forced amalgamation, became the breeding ground for persistent unrest.

The Birth of South Sudan:

In 2011, Sudan stood at another crossroads as a historic referendum revealed overwhelming support (about 98% population of the country) for the establishment of a separate state, South Sudan. This partition aimed to alleviate the tribal tensions, granting the people an opportunity for self-determination. Unfortunately, the specter of division has now returned to haunt the remaining territory of North Sudan.

Darfur's Struggle:

In the heart of North Sudan lies Darfur, a region marked by a mosaic of non-Arab tribes in minority yearning for autonomy from the Arab tribes here. Therefore, to crush the rebellion, the Arab tribes living here formed a new army named Rapid Support Force, a formidable entity emerging as a quasi-governmental power, which has become so strong with each passing moment that it has power equal to the military and now wants its authority over the whole of Sudan.

Military Machinations:

It has generally been seen that whenever the military of a country strengthens itself by interfering with the government, it overturns the current government and takes over the power of the country by imposing martial law. This military tries to run the country on its own account, although neither they have the mandate of the people, nor are they the elected representatives of the people, they occupy the power without the will of the people.

And the situation in Sudan is quite similar to martial law because in 2021, the commander of the Sudanese army, General Abdel Fattah al-Barhan, and his deputy, General Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo of the Rapid Support Forces, together overthrew the government of Omar al-Bashir and seized power. And thus, Abdel Fattah became the de facto ruler of Sudan and Dagalo became his deputy. 

But things took a turn for the worse when in December 2021, Dagalo got a position equal to that of Abdel Fattah. And since two swords cannot remain in one sheath, so they both parted their ways. And soon this critical situation rapidly spiraled into a full-fledged civil war in the country.

And the second most important reason for this was that Abdel Fattah wanted to integrate the Rapid Support Force into the military, which was formed in 2013 especially to deal with rebellions and riots, but now it has become difficult for Abdel Fattah to control it.

The Human Cost:

The civil war that started in Sudan due to the conflict between these two generals is causing the destruction of the country and the death of the people there. According to a January 4, 2024 fact sheet, 12,501 people have died in Sudan since April 15, 2023 and 33,000 others were injured and millions are imprisoned in their own homes, due to ongoing conflict. As of December 29, 2023, over 5.8 million were internally displaced and more than 1.5 million others had fled the country as refugees.

As you can see in the video people emerging from the airport have laid down on the ground to save their lives, fearing that a bullet might come from somewhere and kill them. Civil war is currently going on in all these red-marked areas and there are sounds outside the airport as if a terrifying storm is coming. Military helicopters are patrolling outside the houses and incessant gunfire can be heard clearly.

The UN has said that the country is facing the world's largest child displacement crisis. The toll of this power struggle is devastating. Amidst the chaos, Darfur has become a powder keg, with the two generals flexing their muscles to assert dominance. No one knows who the current real ruler of Sudan is? This North Sudan is now a completely lawless and governmentless country and both generals want to run this country according to their own will.

The population of North Sudan is about 45 million and the ego of only two people has ruined this entire country. Although neither of them are politician nor do they have any knowledge or experience in politics, both of them have pushed the country towards the path of destruction in the greed of protecting their resources and wealth. Because both of them are more corrupt than each other.

The people fighting on behalf of both groups are not the enemies of the country or non-Muslims, but Sudanese Muslims themselves. After all, why is the Muslim himself thirsty for the blood of his other Muslim brother?

Conclusion -

Amidst this tragedy, a stark contrast emerges when compared to international responses to conflicts elsewhere. While global voices united against injustices in Ukraine, the silence surrounding Sudan's plight is deafening. Is this just because it is a Muslim country. Aren't Muslims human beings? 

Where have the flag-bearers of human rights disappeared? Where is the African Union? The Arab League? The United Nations? Why they are silent now? Do Muslims not warrant the same attention and rights as Ukraine and others? Don't they have any importance? Or is it not in their interest to raise their voices in favor of the innocent Sudanese Muslims? Eventually, why is the Muslim blood so cheap?