Sudan's Deadly Conflict: Diplomatic Failure and Unchecked Genocide

Strategic Insights -

As the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region escalates, urgent calls are being made for an immediate ceasefire and accelerated diplomatic action to stop the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Nearly a hundred organizations have signed an open letter demanding safe passage for civilians under siege, while diplomats and experts are condemning the international response as a study in diplomatic failure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RSF, backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has tightened its encirclement of El Fasher, a city in North Darfur, with at least 38 km of earthen berm and is closing gaps in the berm.
  • The RSF is responsible for the massacres in El Fasher, including the "collective elimination" of wounded and sick patients in the city's Saudi Hospital, according to the El Fasher Resistance Committees.
  • The UAE has been accused of providing military support to the RSF, including advanced Chinese-made drones, small arms, heavy machine guns, vehicles, artillery, mortars, and ammunition.
  • The war in Sudan is having a devastating impact on civilians, with over 460 patients and companions being killed in attacks on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher.
  • The international community is coming under increasing pressure to take action, with U.S. lawmakers calling for the RSF to be designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
  • Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have been criticized as poorly timed and lacking leverage, with experts pointing to the role of the UAE in exacerbating the crisis.

Statistics:

  • At least 38 km of earthen berm has been constructed by the RSF around El Fasher.
  • Over 460 patients and companions have been killed in attacks on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher.
  • The USE has shipped "increasing supplies of weapons" to Sudan, including "advanced Chinese-made drones along with small arms, heavy machine guns, vehicles, artillery, mortars, and ammunition".
  • The RSF is estimated to have received "overwhelming amount of military support" from the UAE.

Sources:

  • Byline: Reed Kramer and Tami Hultman, Washington, DC -- "No one can say they didn't know."
  • Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect: "Open letter to diplomats: Safeguard civilians in Darfur", published October 1.
  • Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale University School of Public Health: "Atrocities in Real Time"
  • The Wall Street Journal: "UAE Aides Sudan's RSF Militia with Supplies"
  • Confluence Advisory: "Sudan's Deadly Conflict and the Shape of Wars to Come"
  • Radio Dabanga: "El Fasher Resistance Committees report wounded and sick patients in Saudi Hospital 'collectively eliminated'"
  • World Health Organization: "All attacks on health care MUST STOP immediately and unconditionally"
  • New York Times: "No One Doubts That This Is Genocide"
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee: "Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) condemns RSF atrocities"
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee: "House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks condemn RSF actions"
  • The Stimson Center: "Analysis of external efforts to end Sudan's Deadly Conflict"