The northeastern African nation of Sudan has plunged into chaos. A raging conflict has driven more than 3.1 million people from their homes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that the country is on the brink of a “full-scale civil war.”
Many nations have tried to broker peace deals between warring factions in the country. But just when it seems talks may lead to a cease-fire, the fighting flares again. This may be a case of leaders who say, “‘Peace, peace’ when there is no peace at all.” (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11)
In mid-April, tensions between Sudan’s military and its rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), exploded into open fighting. The clashes erupted in the capital of Khartoum and elsewhere across the nation.
The roots of the current conflict began in 2019. An uprising overthrew dictator Omar al-Bashir. Two years later, a coup led by the military and the RSF disrupted a planned transition to a democracy. Now the military is in charge.
More than 2.4 million people fled their homes due to fighting. Many seek safer areas inside Sudan. Around 738,000 others crossed into neighboring counties as refugees.
Egypt has accepted more than 255,500 people. Chad has welcomed over 238,000. Other countries hosting refugees include South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and Libya.
The Sudan conflict turned Khartoum and other areas into battlefields. Rebel forces occupy people’s houses and other properties. There are also reports of widespread damage and looting.
International and regional efforts have so far failed to establish a cease-fire. A halt in fighting would allow aid agencies to support civilians still trapped in the conflict.
The Quartet Group is a subcommittee of a body of East African countries. It met Monday in Ethiopia. Members proposed the idea of deploying troops to Sudan to protect civilians. Kenyan President William Ruto heads the Quartet Group. He called for a ceasefire in Sudan and the formation of an aid zone.
Sudan’s military delegate didn’t attend Monday’s meeting. The military accuses the Kenyan government of siding with rebel forces. Military officials denounce the Quartet Group’s plan to send troops. A statement Tuesday says any foreign forces in Sudanese territory would be considered “aggressors.”
This regional diplomacy comes as recent talks between warring Sudanese factions repeatedly failed to stop the fighting. Saudi Arabia and the United States brokered those talks.
Egypt will host a meeting Thursday with Sudan’s neighbors. The gathering aims to find yet another peaceful settlement to the conflict.
