You are particularly concerned, in your role as an adviser to Members of the European Parliament, by the many conflicts around the world, including the one in Sudan. What is the situation in the country today?

Today, Sudan is facing an immense humanitarian catastrophe and a major refugee crisis, with more than 11 million people displaced internally and over 4 million refugees in neighboring countries. This does not even account for the devastating impact on women, children, and young people. It is also a political crisis and a civil war that is tearing the country apart. Fighting continues without interruption, with dramatic consequences. The war goes on, while the Sudanese people suffer and urgently need humanitarian assistance. This is why it is imperative to combine all efforts to bring an end to this war, which has lasted far too long and has brought with it famine, violence against women, and widespread poverty.

How did this war of attrition between the regular army and the RSF come about?

This conflict has persisted for more than six years since the Arab Spring and the Sudanese people’s desire to end dictatorship and Islamist political rule under Omar al-Bashir. Initially, the change was positive, and the democratic transition was peaceful. However, after the coup carried out by the Sudanese military and the return of Islamist influence under the leadership of al-Burhan, a civil war broke out. The conflict pits the Sudanese army on one side against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), backed by foreign actors on the other. These external forces are seeking to protect their political and economic interests.

Under these circumstances, how did this personal and institutional rivalry replace the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people?

Unfortunately, behind this conflict lie political interests within the region. The two sides have been unable to find common ground or prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people. The Sudanese army, in particular, has repeatedly rejected diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives, including proposals put forward by the United States.

Despite repeated warnings about famine and targeted violence, why has the international humanitarian response struggled to gain momentum?

On the one hand, the war in Sudan is a forgotten conflict that seems distant and does not directly affect neighboring regions, Europe, or the United States. It is also a conflict that receives little media coverage compared to other international crises that attract greater global attention. On the other hand, humanitarian aid initiatives do exist, particularly at the European level. In fact, the European Commission has allocated a substantial budget for assistance. However, it remains difficult to reach the entire population because some areas are controlled by militias, and humanitarian aid is sometimes blocked.

To what extent is the conflict fueled by regional and international sponsors, and what impact do these interventions have on the duration of the war?

Unfortunately, this war is indeed fueled by regional and international sponsors seeking to protect their political and economic interests or expand their influence in the region. Some are interested in controlling Sudan’s ports and economic resources, including countries such as Turkey and Iran.

How do you explain the failure of multiple mediation attempts and the lack of political mobilization on a global scale?

On one hand, there is a lack of political commitment and a reluctance to openly support either side. On the other hand, some regional and international sponsors prefer the conflict to continue because it allows them to maintain influence in the region and cultivate political allies. These allies can facilitate political and territorial control, as well as access to the country’s resources, in support of their sponsors’ political agendas.

Finally, despite the collapse of state institutions, what role do civil society organizations, particularly the Resistance Committees, and NGOs still play in imagining a sustainable way out of the crisis?

Many initiatives have emerged from Sudanese civil society with the aim of helping the country overcome the crisis and promoting a peace plan with the support of the United States, Europe, the United Nations, and other countries in the region. One example is the Quad Initiative, whose objective is to find a solution to the political and humanitarian crisis and establish a transitional government. Such a government could guarantee lasting peace, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and foster dialogue among the various political groups.