Who will save Sudan?
Sudan’s tragedy can be traced back to 2019, which was a hopeful year for the country, as primary peaceful protests led to the dethroning of their long-time dictator Omar Al-Bashir during the Sudanese Revolution. Educators, students, and people from different civil sectors came together with a promise to usher in democracy, but that power was rather usurped by military leaders who control the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both forces are led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) respectively.
These former allies started a fierce conflict, plunging Sudan into a horrific civil war by April 2023. The United Nations has repeatedly declared that this conflict has led to the most detrimental humanitarian situation in the world, with roughly ten million people displaced and famine knocking at the door for millions. This, along with other unspeakable crimes happening in Darfur and Khartoum are what ultimately torments me on a daily basis. Almost every other part of the world came forward in massive numbers to speak and unite for Gaza, but ignored the civil war in Sudan. Where are the appeals for Sudan? The global movements? The televised debates?
Regardless, Sudan’s turmoil is rather painful to witness because there has been a tremendous lack of action taken in the preceding calamity. In light of every new humanitarian crisis brought to the forefront, Sudan is shadowed into relative anonymity.
From one perspective, it looks like the Africans are allowed to save themselves, but stranded African solidarity clearly has no aide. While all of the countries provide refuge, these steps do not bring about the requisite orderly amass pressure from African civil societies capable of effecting intervention.
The African Union (AU) has to be most praised only in these delicate attempts of mediation and peace-making. Surely the real protection of civilians caught in the cross fire will have to receive some decisive action. The strongest military power within the AU is called upon to turn these influences towards creating humanitarian corridors, imposing truces in the fighting and bringing the war criminals to trial. This, of course, requires definite plateau of political bravery and unity above the regional self-interests.
In January 2025, Former US President Joe Biden declared sanctions against RSF and it’s genocide-supporting allies, but the violence remains unchanged. Such actions have assistance in disguise, but absolutely no power to benefit people or change the horrible conditions blocked with power thirsted by combative nations.
Who will come to Sudan’s aid? This is not a rhetorical question, they need urgent assistance. We are losing lives, reconstructing communities, and erasing bright futures with every passing day. The Sudanese people, who demonstrated their valor during the revolutionary protests, deserve more than hollow sympathy and ineffective sanctions.
This is not solely Sudan’s issue; it is a problem for Africa and the rest of mankind. If we support the claim of advocating for human rights and dignity, then Sudan should not remain a footnote in global issues.
Who will come to Sudan’s aid? The answer needs to start with us, by raising a voice and holding our authorities to account. The answer lays with international organizations who should engage to protect civilians. And most importantly, bolster Sudanese civil society – the medic, the activists, the ordinary people who have all put their lives on the line in hopes of a peaceful and democratic Sudan.
The question remains: Who will save Sudan? The world’s response will reveal much about our shared humanity.
Isaac K.D. Teye
ISHR Ambassador 2025 (Ghana)
