Is the civil war in Sudan still going on?
The civil war in Sudan, which has been raging since 1983, remains a topic of great concern and debate. Despite the peace agreement signed in 2005, known as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the conflict has not completely ceased. This article aims to explore the current state of the civil war in Sudan and analyze the challenges that continue to hinder lasting peace in the region.
The conflict in Sudan is primarily rooted in political, ethnic, and religious differences. The north, predominantly Arab and Muslim, has long sought to dominate the country, while the south, consisting of various ethnic groups with diverse religions, has fought for autonomy and, eventually, independence. The CPA, brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), brought an end to the North-South civil war, leading to the independence of South Sudan in 2011. However, the peace was short-lived, as tensions between the two countries continued to escalate.
The situation in Sudan has become increasingly volatile in recent years. The conflict has been reignited by disputes over oil-rich areas, border demarcation, and the sharing of water resources. Additionally, political tensions have resurfaced, with allegations of corruption and human rights abuses on both sides. The situation has been further complicated by the rise of radical Islamists in the north and the increasing influence of external actors, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in the region.
One of the most significant developments in the ongoing conflict is the resurgence of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a rebel group that fought alongside the South Sudanese during the civil war. The SPLM-N has been involved in numerous clashes with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and has accused the government of violating the CPA by attacking civilian populations and displacing thousands of people. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, which has forced many South Sudanese refugees to return to Sudan, further straining the resources of the already fragile region.
Despite the ongoing conflict, there have been some efforts to promote peace and stability in Sudan. The African Union (AU) has deployed a peacekeeping force, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), to the region. However, the effectiveness of this force has been limited, and it has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of resources and support from the Sudanese government.
The international community has also played a role in attempting to resolve the conflict. The United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries have imposed sanctions on Sudan and its leaders, in an effort to pressure the government to comply with international norms and end the conflict. However, the impact of these sanctions has been mixed, and some argue that they have only exacerbated the suffering of the Sudanese people.
In conclusion, the civil war in Sudan is still going on, and the situation remains dire. The conflict has caused immense suffering and has hindered the country’s development. It is essential for the international community to continue its efforts to promote peace and stability in Sudan, while also supporting the Sudanese people in their quest for a better future. Only through a comprehensive and inclusive peace process can lasting peace be achieved in this war-torn region.
