In October 2024, Sudan finds itself in the grip of escalating violence as Al Jazirah State, located near the capital, Khartoum, becomes a battleground between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Reports indicate a disturbing increase in civilian casualties, with over 120 people confirmed dead as the RSF carries out a series of intensified attacks. The conflict in Al Jazirah State reflects a broader power struggle that has engulfed Sudan since 2019, underscoring the nation’s struggle to establish peace, stability, and effective governance.
Background of the Sudanese Conflict
The roots of Sudan’s current crisis can be traced back to the ousting of longtime president Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Following his removal, Sudan experienced a fragile transition toward democracy, marked by the establishment of a transitional government intended to foster peace and set the stage for elections. However, this arrangement fell apart when internal divisions surfaced, ultimately leading to the outbreak of hostilities between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as “Hemedti.”
The RSF originated as a militia group, previously known as the Janjaweed, which was infamous for its involvement in the Darfur genocide. Over time, the group gained official recognition and evolved into the RSF, eventually growing into a powerful paramilitary organization. Following the 2021 military coup, tensions escalated between the SAF and RSF over issues related to authority and influence in the nation’s military and government structures. This power struggle eventually erupted into violent confrontations in April 2023, marking the beginning of a devastating civil conflict that continues to intensify, particularly in regions like Al Jazirah.
The Situation in Al Jazirah State
The recent violence in Al Jazirah State highlights the brutal tactics being used by both the SAF and RSF as they fight for control. In recent weeks, the RSF has launched a series of attacks, resulting in significant civilian casualties and property destruction. Al Jazirah, historically an agricultural heartland of Sudan, has become a focal point for the RSF’s aggressive campaign to expand its territory near Khartoum, aiming to disrupt SAF strongholds and weaken government control.
According to the UN, the RSF’s attacks in Al Jazirah have disproportionately impacted civilians. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and critical infrastructure, including water and electricity supplies, has been damaged or destroyed. Human rights organizations report that RSF fighters have engaged in widespread violence, including looting and assaults on civilians, as they advance through villages and towns.
This surge in violence comes as humanitarian organizations struggle to reach those affected by the fighting. The destruction of roadways and persistent insecurity have severely limited the ability of aid groups to deliver essential supplies, such as food, water, and medical assistance, to the beleaguered population. Many civilians have been forced to flee their homes, exacerbating the growing refugee crisis within Sudan and putting pressure on neighboring regions that are already dealing with their own social and economic challenges.
The Humanitarian Impact
The humanitarian toll of the fighting in Al Jazirah State is profound. Sudan’s healthcare system, already strained from years of neglect and conflict, is now on the verge of collapse in affected regions. Hospitals and clinics face shortages of basic supplies and medical personnel, as healthcare workers are either unable to reach their workplaces or have become targets of violence themselves. The lack of electricity, water, and sanitation facilities has raised fears of disease outbreaks, further endangering the lives of civilians in the region.
The displaced population within Al Jazirah and surrounding areas has swelled considerably, with families forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there are now more than five million people displaced across Sudan. In Al Jazirah, the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has stretched local resources to the breaking point, with food, shelter, and clean water in critically short supply.
The UN has warned of an impending famine in Sudan if the conflict continues to disrupt agricultural activities. Al Jazirah’s rich farmlands, once a vital source of sustenance for Sudan’s population, are now inaccessible or destroyed. Farmers have abandoned their fields to escape the violence, jeopardizing food production for the coming year. International agencies fear that, without swift intervention, Sudan may face one of the worst hunger crises in its history, leaving millions at risk of starvation.
International Response and Calls for Intervention
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in Al Jazirah and other parts of Sudan. The United Nations and the African Union have called for a ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, despite these appeals, both the SAF and RSF continue to engage in hostilities, making it difficult to negotiate a sustained pause in fighting.
The UN’s top humanitarian official in Sudan has condemned the “blatant disregard for human life” exhibited by both sides, urging immediate intervention to prevent further atrocities. Several countries and international organizations have pledged financial aid to support relief efforts in Sudan, but logistical challenges and security risks have hampered the distribution of supplies. The UN Security Council has debated imposing sanctions or arms embargoes to deter further escalation, though the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain.
Regional powers, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have attempted to mediate talks between the SAF and RSF, yet these efforts have yielded little progress. The complex nature of Sudan’s conflict, driven by a combination of political ambition, ethnic tensions, and economic interests, has made it difficult to reach a peaceful resolution. Analysts believe that without significant pressure from influential international players, such as the United States and the European Union, the violence is likely to continue.
The Path Forward: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Finding a path to peace in Sudan, particularly in hotspots like Al Jazirah, will require a multifaceted approach. Addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis is paramount, but any long-term solution must also tackle the root causes of the conflict. Political analysts argue that the SAF and RSF must be held accountable for their actions, with an emphasis on justice for the civilian population that has borne the brunt of the violence.
To achieve a lasting resolution, both sides will need to engage in dialogue, mediated by neutral parties capable of ensuring a fair and comprehensive peace process. This could involve a renewed push for a transitional government that prioritizes democratic reforms and the establishment of a unified national military, which has been a central point of contention between the SAF and RSF. Additionally, addressing Sudan’s economic challenges, which have contributed to the current conflict, will be critical in fostering stability.
The international community has a significant role to play in supporting Sudan’s transition to peace. Humanitarian aid, financial assistance, and diplomatic pressure are all necessary to alleviate the suffering of Sudan’s civilian population and encourage meaningful reforms. The African Union and neighboring countries must continue to engage in efforts to mediate between the warring factions, while the UN and other global bodies should explore options for peacekeeping or monitoring missions to ensure compliance with any future agreements.
Conclusion
The intensifying conflict in Al Jazirah State represents a microcosm of the broader turmoil engulfing Sudan. The human toll is immense, and the nation’s hopes for stability seem increasingly fragile as violence spreads. For the people of Al Jazirah and Sudan as a whole, the path to peace remains uncertain, contingent upon both internal reconciliation and sustained international support. Without a concerted effort to end the violence, Sudan faces a grim future marked by displacement, starvation, and prolonged suffering for millions of its citizens. The world must act decisively to help Sudan navigate this crisis and lay the foundation for a stable and peaceful future.
