Why Is the World Ignoring Sudan's Civil War?

Summary

In April 2023, clashes erupted in Sudan's capital Khartoum between the army and a powerful militia, causing global concern. However coverage rapidly faded even as the conflict continued, displacing millions. Analysts cite war fatigue, racism, and information blackouts as reasons why this major crisis goes ignored. With famine looming and warnings that state collapse could empower jihadists, they argue the world urgently needs to pay attention to prevent regional catastrophe.

Takeaways

• 😲 Sudan's civil war erupted in April 2023, causing major destruction before fading from global headlines
• 😥 The conflict has created one of the worst humanitarian crises with over 5 million displaced
• 🚨 Official death tolls likely undercount the true carnage, with evidence of mass killings
• 😠 RSF militias are accused of genocidal violence against non-Arab tribes in Darfur
• 👎 The war threatens to fracture Sudan and risks becoming an extremist safe haven
• 🤔 Past wars may have numbed audiences, seeing this as just more violence in Sudan
• 😴 Ukraine and Middle East conflicts are dominating attention and aid funding
• 😒 Racism likely plays a role in lack of Western coverage and donations
• 📵 The RSF cuts communications to hide its atrocities from the world
• ⚠️ State collapse in Sudan could destabilize the region and threaten global security

Q & A

When did clashes first erupt between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces?

Clashes first erupted on April 15th, 2023 in the capital Khartoum.

Why did coverage of the Sudan conflict fade so quickly after evacuations were completed?

After evacuations were over, the story faded quickly, dropping off headlines. By November 6th, coverage was very limited, with just a single short headline about shelling hitting a Sudanese market.

How does the conflict in Sudan compare to other major conflicts globally in terms of humanitarian impact?

Sudan ranks alongside Ukraine and Syria in terms of internally displaced people, with over 5.6 million displaced. More people are thought to be in desperate need of aid in Sudan than in Ukraine.

What are some of the worst atrocities that have occurred during the conflict?

There has been genocidal violence against the Masalit people in Darfur by the RSF and Janjaweed militias, including house-to-house executions, attacks on refugee convoys, and mass graves. Over 4,000 were killed in one attack on El Geneina. Mosques have been blown up with civilians inside.

How has the capital Khartoum been impacted by the fighting?

Khartoum has seen extensive damage, with hospitals flattened, iconic buildings destroyed, food shortages, and pitched gun battles. Half the pre-war population has fled. It's been called "Africa's Aleppo" due to the devastation.

What is the current territorial control situation in Sudan?

The RSF controls Khartoum, Darfur, and parts of Omdurman, while the army still holds bases in Khartoum and controls east Sudan. There are fears Sudan may fracture like Libya or Yugoslavia.

Why might racism not fully explain the lack of world attention on Sudan?

The Darfur genocide and South Sudan independence received huge coverage in the 2000s-2011. Other 2022 African crises like the Burkina Faso coup got attention. War fatigue and lack of humanization seem more key.

How might information blackouts by the RSF contribute to less coverage of atrocities?

The RSF has cut telecom networks and confiscated civilians' phones during attacks. This restricts images and content reaching social media, depriving the conflict of the visuals needed to gain wider attention.

How could state collapse in Sudan impact the wider world?

A Sudan failed state could attract jihadists like ISIS, creating major security threats. As Sudan is far larger than Libya or Somalia, the spillover effects could be disastrous for the region.

Why should the world pay more attention to the conflict?

The humanitarian crisis is already severe with risk of imminent famine. Also, wider state failure could spark a regional crisis, with global impact. More attention now could help avert catastrophe.