Sudan’s lost promise: from potential powerhouse to civil war hellscape

In 2011, Sudan seemed on the brink of becoming a regional powerhouse, poised to rival Egypt as a stable and relatively prosperous autocracy. Decades of civil war between the Arab-dominated north and the predominantly Black African south led to the creation of South Sudan. That was like an albatross being lifted from Sudan’s neck.

Instead, it triggered Sudan’s unraveling, starting with a coup against its strongman, Omar al-Bashir. Soon after, Sudan descended into the same civil strife that marked the birth of South Sudan. But what makes Sudan’s conflict even more brutal is that it’s a ruthless, ongoing power struggle between rival factions of the military elite. And once again, the ethnic cleansing of Black people in Darfur continues as collateral damage. Remember Darfur?

A proxy war fueling civil strife

Sudan’s 18-month conflict has become a playground for international meddling. Foreign powers are propping up the two main factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Most notably, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is backing the RSF with money, weapons, and intelligence, while Russia is supporting the SAF.

This isn’t about ideology, religion, or ethnicity. It’s a proxy war for strategic access to Sudan’s 530-mile Red Sea coastline. Even the United States is caught between cozying up to the UAE for broader Middle Eastern goals and condemning the UAE’s mercenary role in Sudan. Indeed, given all the military aid flowing into the country, you’d never know that Sudan’s need for humanitarian aid is far more critical.

Chronic famine breeds indifference

Alas, famine in Africa has become so commonplace that reports of Sudan being on the brink cause little alarm. The food crisis has reached catastrophic levels, yet it barely registers a blip in international discussions. Not to mention that the US is too busy trying to avoid complicity in Israel starving Palestinians as a weapon of war to be concerned about Sudanese leaders starving their own people.

For most Sudanese, famine in the time of war is like flooding during a hurricane. Except Mother Nature’s wrath has nothing on “man’s inhumanity to man.” And so, as we send prayers and supplies to Americans affected by Hurricane Helene, please spare a thought — or send a donation — to help the long-suffering people of Sudan.