The situation in Sudan is dire and has the potential to push the country into a state of chaos. Sudan is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world, but it seems that very few people are paying attention to this crisis. The root causes of this disaster can be attributed to internal power struggles, conflicts over scarce natural resources, and geopolitical interests that prioritize gains over the suffering of millions.
Finding solutions to these complex issues is not easy. As someone who works closely with a team from Sudan at Practical Action, an organization with decades of experience in delivering programs, I can attest to the importance of both humanitarian aid and long-term development work in addressing this crisis.
Sudan is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts and if we fail to help its people adapt to these changes, there is a high risk that once they emerge from this dark cloud, chaos will ensue again. The underlying conflicts will quickly resurface.
However, funding for essential programs such as water management, sanitation, food production, and energy provision is currently insufficient. It is crucial that we support programs that address immediate needs while also enabling Sudanese people to rebuild their lives and plan for a peaceful future.
In another perspective on this issue, an academic who recently collaborated with Sudanese filmmakers and writers highlights an important connection between Sudan’s war and another news story. DP World, a company under scrutiny for its ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been expanding its operations into East Africa including Sudan. The UAE has longstanding links with militias responsible for atrocities across Sudan.
There are valid concerns about why governments turn a blind eye towards UAE involvement in Sudan given these troubling connections.
Furthermore, there have been stark differences in how the government and media have responded to conflicts like Ukraine compared to those like Sudan. Personal accounts from individuals who offered support show disparities based on race or nationality when it comes to asylum applications and access to education or employment opportunities.
These perspectives shed light on various aspects of the crisis in Sudan but also raise questions about international responses and biases towards different conflicts around the world.