#ViolenceinSudan

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UK Foreign Office Condems Ongoing Violence in Sudan

  The UK strongly condemns the ongoing violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support forces in Khartoum and multiple cities across Sudan. It must stop immediately. The UK expresses its heartfelt regret for the loss of innocent lives by those caught up in this violence and calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to cease all hostilities against each other. Now is the time for the Sudanese leadership to de-escalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed. The UK calls on Sudanese leadership to return to dialogue. After months of fruitful political discussion, and real progress toward the return of a civilian-led transition, military action is not the solution. Long-term peace is possible, but only through open, honest, and pragmatic discussion. The UK stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future. Innocent civilians should not pay the price of their futures due to this violence. --- End of Official UK Government Statement ---  

Sudanese protestors greeting sudanese army. Photo by Mohamed Salih Kambal. Flickr.  

Recent History of the Conflict

The Sudanese conflict has been fueled by many external powers, including Russia and China. Russia backed the 1991 coup in Sudan that ousted the democratically elected government. The country has since benefited from the war by getting access to Gold and Gum Arabica. In return, the Sudanese government has provided free land for a naval base and has given Russia access to purchase planes, tanks, and artillery. This has made Russia an active player in Sudan's economy since the last century.   Chinese Involvement China has been actively involved in Sudan's economy from an economic perspective. They were once actively exporting Sudanese oil but have reduced these imports in recent times. However, China has presented many loans to the Government and has involvement in various utility companies. They have also built several infrastructure projects such as dams, railway lines, and highways. These activities have made China a significant investor in Sudan's economy.   Western Interests The Western powers, including the US and the EU, have an eye on Sudan as a conflict zone that's contributing to economic and conflict immigration into Southern Europe. They have an interest in building peace in Sudan by focusing on the political aspect of the conflict. The West is more in line with the rebel's cause for greater democracy, and they are actively trying to resolve the conflict through peaceful means. The US has already lifted sanctions from Sudan; however, the country remains in turmoil. The Sudanese conflict is not just about external powers, but about ideology too. Rebels have been fighting for a democratic government where citizens have equal rights and opportunities. The government, on the other hand, is mainly composed of one religious and cultural group, making it challenging for other groups to have a say. This disparity in ideology is at the core of the Sudanese conflict.  

Internal Fighting within the Government

In the last week, there has been more intensified fighting with the conflict between Abdul Fattah al Burhan, the president of the Supreme Transitional Council, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo is a member of the secretive Russian organization Wagner, which has continued to grow in Sudan.  

Conclusion

The Sudanese conflict is complex and multifaceted, involving external powers such as Russia and China in its economy and rebels fighting for a democratic government. Each group has a different interest and perspective on the matter. However, it is essential to recognize that at the core of the conflict, a battle for ideology is taking place. The Sudanese deserve a better future where they can participate actively in their government and society. The path toward that future is still blurred, but the hope is for a peaceful solution that benefits all involved.   Sources: THX News, Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Wikipedia & Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Read the full article