Sudanese conflict

Published April 25, 2023

SUDAN’S two top generals are locked in a vicious power struggle that threatens to push the African nation into the abyss of another long civil war. The main protagonists in this bloody drama are Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s uniformed de facto ruler, and his erstwhile ally Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Sudan has suffered from long bouts of military rule since independence, with perhaps the longest period being the Omar al-Bashir era which ended when the strongman was ousted in 2019 after mass protests. However, the transition to democracy was short-lived, as both men struck together in 2021 to send the provisional government home. Now the coup-makers are at each other’s throats. Sudan is, unfortunately, no stranger to civil war, as the conflicts in Darfur and South Sudan have shown. The latter conflict ended with South Sudan’s secession in 2011. The latest flare-up began earlier this month, with the UN saying that over 400 deaths have been reported in the violence since April 15. The fiercest fighting has been witnessed in the capital Khartoum, though clashes have occurred nationwide.

The feeling amongst the international community is that this may turn out to be a long, bloody struggle. That is why states have rushed to evacuate their citizens from Sudan. The Foreign Office says over 400 Pakistanis are ready to be repatriated from Port Sudan, while an unidentified number was earlier evacuated apparently with Saudi help. Pakistan’s mission in Khartoum was also reported to have been hit by gunfire a few days ago. The government must ensure that all Pakistanis in the conflict zone are brought home safely. Meanwhile, the Arab League, African Union and the OIC need to step up efforts to make the warring generals put down their guns. The only long-term solution to Sudan’s systemic crisis is for the generals to return to the barracks, and for the country to transition to civilian rule.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Famine in waiting
Updated 19 May, 2025

Famine in waiting

Without decisive action, Pakistan risks falling deeper into a chronic cycle of hunger and poverty. Food insecurity is most harrowing in Gaza.
Erratic policy
19 May, 2025

Erratic policy

THE state needs to make up its mind on the import of used vehicles. According to recent news reports, the FBR may be...
Overdue solace
19 May, 2025

Overdue solace

LATE consolation is a norm for Pakistanis. Although welcome, a newly passed bill that demands tough laws and...
War and peace
Updated 18 May, 2025

War and peace

Instead of constantly evoking the spectre of war, India and Pakistan should work towards peace.
Unequal taxation
18 May, 2025

Unequal taxation

PAKISTAN’S inefficient, growth-inhibiting, distortive and unjust tax system can justifiably be described as the...
Health crimes
18 May, 2025

Health crimes

MULTAN’S Nishtar Hospital, south Punjab’s largest public-sector hospital, was in the news last year for...