THOUGH a vicious civil war has been raging in Sudan since April 2023, the conflict has failed to capture international attention. Yet the reported atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces — the main paramilitary militia fighting the Sudanese military — in the town of El-Fasher recently have brought the world’s focus to this brutal conflict. The RSF, a reincarnation of the notorious Janjaweed militia, had laid siege to the town for 18 months before finally capturing it, and eyewitnesses describe scenes of absolute horror. There are reports of bodies lying in the streets, mass executions, rape and torture. Famine has been confirmed in parts of the affected area. In fact, the International Criminal Court says that the brutalities committed in El-Fasher could constitute crimes against humanity.

Though Sudan has experienced instability for decades, the ongoing civil war is particularly brutal. What has added to complications is that several foreign states are involved in the conflict, with some supporting the ruling military junta, while others are backing the rebel RSF. Caught in the middle are the hapless people of Sudan, who have been facing death, hunger and displacement for over two years. Some foreign players have reportedly offered support to both sides. It is unfortunate that Sudan is being treated as a proxy battlefield by foreign states. It is also a bitter fact that multilateral organisations — such as the UN, the African Union, OIC and Arab League — have failed to end the violence. Instead of sowing the seeds of chaos, all foreign players must impress upon their Sudanese allies the need for an immediate ceasefire. Moreover, shipment of arms to the RSF must be halted immediately, and all those accused of war crimes in Sudan should be investigated and brought to justice. Once the fighting stops, a roadmap must be drawn up that stresses national reconciliation and justice in Sudan, and prioritises the restoration of democracy at the earliest.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2025